SMSO features music by Julie Andrews, pays tribute to former bandleader Robin Fountain this Saturday

Julie Andrews’ music is sure to bring back fond memories, whether of her musical performances, her Broadway shows or her movies, and the Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra will bring this music to life at its concert on July 16, 2022. .
With this concert, the SMSO takes the opportunity to welcome back its long-time musical director and conductor Robin Fountain, who announced his retirement at the end of the 2019-2020 season. Due to the timing of the Covid pandemic and resulting restrictions, Robin was unable to conduct his final concert with the symphony. This concert offers him the opportunity to conclude his mandate with the SMSO, in addition to offering the community a chance to recognize him for the time he has worked with the SMSO.
The concert, which will be held at the Shadowland Pavilion at Silver Beach County Park, will begin at 6:30 p.m. with doors opening at 5:30 p.m.
The SMSO welcomes guest artists Diane Penning and Paul Langford with a special appearance by the Grand Rapids Opera Children’s Choir.
SMSO Music Director Matthew Aubin said Maestro Fountain had collaborated with many local talents over the years and after discussions with him they both decided this would be a good gig for his comeback.
“I think normally when a conductor walks away, they’re programming a masterwork,” he said. “So it’s definitely an opportunity because he was part of the scheduled summer work and collaborated with local talent.”
“I’m thrilled to meet him in person and can’t wait to see how he presents a concert,” Aubin said.
The music for the My Favorite Things concert is as follows:
Overture to The Sound of Music Orchestral
My Fair Lady Medley – featured vocal and orchestral Mrs. Penning. Mr Langford
Includes – I could have danced all night, On the street where you live, and
Wouldn’t it be in love
I got used to his face Mr. Langford
Poppins Medley Mrs. Penning
Includes – Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, Chim, Chim Cheree and Sugar Spoon
The Sound of Music Mrs. Penning
Edelweiss M. Langford
Do Re Mi Mrs. Penning
and children’s choir
Intermission
Vocal and orchestral characteristic of Camelot Medley
Includes – Camelot, How to Handle a Woman, I Loved You Once in Silence, The Lusty
The month of May
* If I ever left you Mr. Langford
From Cinderella – the 1957 TV show
*In my own little corner Mrs. Penning
*Do I love you Mrs. Penning, Mr. Langford
Ten minutes ago Mrs. Penning, Mr. Langford
Something good Mrs. Penning, Mr. Langford
So Long Children’s Choir, Farewell
My Favorite Things Mrs. Penning, Children’s Choir
Climb Every Mountain Mrs. Penning
*Denotes piano accompaniment only
Event details:
What: My favorite things
Celebrating the music of Julie Andrews
Where: Shadowland Pavilion, Silver Beach County Park, St. Joseph, Michigan.
When: Saturday July 16, 2022 at 6:30 p.m.
(Doors open at 5:30 p.m.)
Tickets are $20 (lawn seating); $10 (children 12 and under); $30 (reserved seating); and tables $350 (includes 10 tickets and 2 VIP parking passes). They are available online at www.smso.org, by calling the SMSO office at 269-982-4030 or in person at 513 Ship St., St. Joseph. The cost of all tickets is $5 higher on the day of the concert.