The Now Playing Newport Music Series is happy to present a Benefit Concert for the Newport Area Community Orchestra on Sunday, April 10th, beginning at 3 pm at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, Second Street, Newport. The Orchestra, under the direction of Ken Michelli has been a avid supporter of the Series by presenting several programs by its members each year, including its Annual Member Recital in December. The Orchestra, founded in 2011, is community-based serving the Northeast Kingdom and surrounding communities and is dedicated to quality performances in settings that provide educational and cultural relationships between musicians and audience.

This program will present some of the best of classical compositions from both members and friends of the Orchestra. Participating is Steven Tatum, bassoon; Howie Arzt, Clarinet; Mark Violette, piano; Paula Hansen Graveline, flute; Thurmond Knight, cello; Lee Story, piano; Chris Maginnis, clarinet; Heather Webster, flute; Chris Nicotera, harp; Anne Steinberg, flute; Steven Tatum, oboe; David Harrison, vocalist;, Megan Carpenter, french horn; Rachel Keck, viola; Jim McKimm, organ, and Iain McHarg, bagpipe. The program will conclude by a haunting, yet majestic “Highland Cathedral” with flute,bagpipe, and organ. For the complete program, visit the Series website at www.nowplayingnewport.com.

Refreshments will be served during the intermission, provided by members and friends of the orchestra and St. Mark's. Tickets are $10 and are available online at www.nowplayingnewport.com. We expect the to be a sold out performance, so get your tickets well in advance to assure you place in the audience.