Hommocks Spring Concert Features Original Piece

by Barbara Staffaroni

(May 20, 2004) The new Hommocks stage was completely filled with eighty string players from the seventh grade chamber orchestra and eighth grade orchestra on May 4 for the premiere of Canadian Legend. The piece was commissioned specifically for the orchestra to celebrate the opening year of the auditorium and was supported by a grant from the Mamaroneck Schools Foundation.

Hommocks orchestra director Andrew Sussman

The composition by Elliot DelBorgo is based on three Canadian folk songs: Old Sod Shanty, She’s Like the Swallow, and Saint-Malo Beau Port de Mer.

As described by Andrew Sussman, the Hommocks orchestra director, “Elliot DelBorgo is a well known composer throughout the string orchestra community, who has the rare ability to both produce pieces that teach players important skills and sound great in concert.” When describing the caliber of his orchestra players to the composer, Sussman exclaimed that his students “can play!”

Mr. Sussman spoke with the composer about the kind of piece the Hommocks was looking for. He stated, “Every section in this 75 piece orchestra is very solid and needs melody and moving parts to play.” The resulting piece was one that challenged each section and was exciting to hear. According to Mr. Sussman, the group has had “a great time learning this piece and I think the performance will be a reflection of that.” Canadian Legend is being published so it can be performed in years to come.

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