The Orchestra of the Eastern Shore will host its first performance of the season this weekend with its new music director, Alexander Chen, as conductor.
Chen, a Taiwanese-American cellist, is not a stranger to the orchestra or Eastern Shore. He previously served as a guest conductor for the Orchestra of the Eastern Shore and regularly passes through the area.
“I drive its entire length when traveling to and from visiting my parents outside Philadelphia,” said Chen, who currently lives in Norfolk.
“I am looking forward to getting to know it a bit better, though.”
Chen applied for the position on the Eastern Shore two years ago, but didn’t get the job. He’s worked in Augusta, Ga. since then, conducted special series for the Virginia Symphony Orchestra and assisted the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra.
Want to Go?
The Orchestra of the Eastern Shore will begin its 2026-27 season with performances of “The Evolution of Mozart.” Performances are free to attend and donations are welcome.
Friday, Oct. 23, 7:30 p.m. at Onancock's Market Street Methodist Church, 75 Market St.
Sunday, Oct. 25, 4:00 p.m. at the Hungars Episcopal Church, 10107 Bayside Rd., Bridgetown.
Chen is leading the community orchestra through “The Evolution of Mozart” for his first performance. The first selection will be the Overture from “The Impresario” – something first performed when Mozart was 20.
The lively orchestral piece has been described as a “comedy with music” and a “singspeil.” The German word literally translates to a “sing play,” mixing spoken dialogue with music.
“I chose this to engage the audience and set the mood for the rest of the concert,” Chen said.
His next choice is Mozart’s Symphony No. 1 in E Flat Major, written when the already-famous composer was 8 years old. In three movements, it features strings, accompanied by just two oboes and two horns.
Next is Mozart’s Symphony No. 32 in G Major, resembling the style of an Italian overture, completed in 1779 when Mozart was 23. Eight to 10 minutes in length, it features strings, several more woodwind instruments, and a tympani drum.
The concert culminates with Mozart's Clarinet Concerto in A Major, often regarded by music historians as one of the most notable clarinet concertos.
Chen is looking forward to his tenure with the orchestra and warns audiences of his reputation for unearthing older “hidden gems” presented in an updated context.
“Classical music also doesn’t have to mean 300 years old,” Chen said. “There are a number of recent works that are worth exploring, too.”