Shoreline Community Orchestra Presents “A Classical Afternoon” Nov. 24 in Whitehall

Dr. John Blakemore

Dr. John Blakemore

The Shoreline Community Orchestra, formerly the Shoreline Symphony, opens its 2019-20 season with “A Classical Afternoon” on Sunday, Nov. 24, at 3 p.m. at The Playhouse at White Lake, 304 S. Mears Ave., in Whitehall, MI.

The Shoreline Community Orchestra is led by conductor Dr. John Blakemore, the band director for Grand Rapids Christian Schools, who holds a Doctorate of Musical Arts from Michigan State University. The orchestra was established in September 2012 by Muskegon Community College and its founding director, the late S. Annette Jurcevic.

Appropriately titled “New Beginnings,” the orchestra’s eighth season launches with the ensemble’s debut in the Whitehall area.

“A Classical Afternoon” will feature the following works:

  • Edward Elgar’s Serenade for String Orchestra, Op. 20
  • Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Serenade in C Minor, K. 388
  • Antonín Dvořák’s Symphony No. 8, Op. 88

Preceding the concert at 2:30 p.m., Blakemore will present an informal discussion in which audience members are invited to learn about the background of the pieces being performed.

Admission is $11 in advance and $15 at the door. Children under 18 and accompanied by an adult receive free admission.

Advance tickets may be purchased online at www.theplayhouseatwhitelake.org  and The Playhouse at White Lake Facebook page. Tickets may also be purchased by contacting the City of Whitehall, Monday through Friday, at (231) 894-4048 or, one hour prior to the concert, contacting the Playhouse box office at (231) 894-0119.

The mission of the Shoreline Community Orchestra is to provide a practice and performance opportunity to people who love to play significant orchestral and ensemble works, promoting the enjoyment and appreciation of symphonic music through programs that educate, enrich, and entertain. Under the leadership of a professional music director, orchestra members give freely of their time, come from all walks of life, and have varied ages and backgrounds.