Mat-Su Orchestra hosting first concert of the season

WASILLA — The Matanuska-Susitna Orchestra is hosting the first concert of the season Sunday, Nov. 13 at the Glenn Massay Theater.

“We’re very excited because we didn’t get to play for quite a while. We’re not broke. We’re Bach,” Matanuska-Susitna Orchestra Orchestra conductor Kate Patterson said with a laugh.

The concert is titled, “A New Day Dawning” and it’s serving as a fundraiser for MyHouse Mat-Su Homeless Mat-Su Center.

Patterson said that all their concerts are free, and they invite attendees to make donations to help support the designated cause.

She said they have numerous concerts lined up at various venues to support local causes such as Colony High School’s fundraising efforts for an upcoming trip to Ireland.

The Orchestra changes up its concerts every year, but they have annual traditions such as holding a concert at the Church of Thousand Trees in downtown Palmer during Colony Christmas and a fundraising concert for the Friends of the Palmer Library at the Palmer Train Depot.

“Those are traditions that we have not departed from because they need support,” Patterson said. “Our whole point is to be a community orchestra, making music make a difference.”

Patterson is a U.S. Army veteran. She said the upcoming concert will include a dedication to veterans and armed forces salute.

“I chose music that could communicate those feelings and emotions that I felt at the different stages of my military service,”

“A New Day Dawning” begins at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13.

The Matanuska-Susitna Orchestra currently has about 20 members, and they’re seeking string bass players.

For more information, visit matsuorchestra.org.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com