CHESTNUT HILL ORCHESTRA TO PERFORM FOR RITTENHOUSE ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY
English Astronomer William Herschel is well known for his discovery of the planet Uranus and his advances in the construction of large telescopes. His life as a musician and composer is often forgotten. The Rittenhouse Astronomical Society, conductor Martin Knoblauch and the Chestnut Hill Orchestra intend to remind us of his contributions in both fields when they present a program entitled The Harmonious Life of William Herschel on Wednesday evening April 9th 2008 at the Franklin Institute.
The German born, Herschel was the son of a prominent Hanoverian bandmaster. He followed in his father’s profession as a performed and composer. When France occupied Hanover in 1757, the nineteen-year-old musician fled to England and over the next ten years established himself as a successful, performer, composer, teacher and church musician. During this period he began to study optics which led him to the design and construction of large telescopes and astronomy and the first discovery of a planet since prehistoric times as well as development of a theory of the evolution of stars and the structure of nebulae. Though never completely neglected, Herschel’s music has only regained prominence in recent years with the issuing of several recordings of his symphonies and concertos.
The one-hour multi media program, presented by Martin Knoblauch will focus on Herschel’s life both as an artist and astronomer. It will include several works by Herschel including one of his symphonies and a concerto for oboe and orchestra. Knoblauch will also discuss the contributions of his sister Caroline and his son John Herschel.
Now in its forty-fifth season The Chestnut Hill Orchestra plays concerts throughout the Philadelphia area. The group is made up of talented avocational and professional musicians from throughout the region. They perform not only the standard orchestral repertoire but also present complete opera performances in concert form and perform major works in conjunction with several choral organizations.
Martin Knoblauch, who has been Music Director since 1986 is also a long time member of the Rittenhouse Astronomical Society. In addition to the CHO he has served as conductor of the Symphony Club of Philadelphia and as an assistant conductor with the Philadelphia Grand Opera, the Philadelphia Lyric Opera and the Opera Company of Philadelphia. He holds Bacholor and Master degrees in conducting and opera from the University of the Arts and a J.D degree from Temple University. He serves presently as Music Director of the Pennypack Chamber Orchestra, the Northeast Oratorio Society and Music Director and Principal Organist of the Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Philadelphia. In addition to his interest in astronomy, he has been a life long amateur radio operator.