An artistic celebration of Buzzards Bay

Feb 23, 2019

The Tri-County Symphonic Band, under the direction of Philip Sanborn, will present a celebration of Buzzards Bay in music and the arts on March 24 in Marion.

The afternoon will feature an art exhibition with works by local artists and musical compositions that portray the sea around and Buzzards Bay.

Maestro Sanborn will lead the Tri-County Symphonic Band in a program titled, “Postcards From Buzzards Bay.”

Artists from the Marion Art Center under the direction of Jodi Stevens, Executive Director, will exhibit their works at the concert in Tabor Academy’s Fireman Performing Arts Center on March 24 at 3 p.m.

The Tri-County Symphonic Band has commissioned an original composition for the concert by Cape Cod composer, Michael Donovan. The world premiere of this work titled, “Postcards from Buzzards Bay,” will be the keystone of the concert. It presents musical metaphors that depict scenes and happenings near Cuttyhunk, the dangerous shoals of the Elizabeth Islands, a Marion Regatta, a squall off the coast of Dartmouth, the departure of the fishing fleet from New Bedford and sunset at Woods Hole.

A thirty year veteran of the US Air Force, Major Donovan was the Commander of the 567th Air Force Band from 1992 to 2002.

In addition to the premiere of the commissioned work by Donovan, the band will perform works by James Fulton, Francis McBeth, Robert Russell Bennett, Ralph Vaughn Williams, John Phillip Sousa and a new work by Rochester resident and composer, John Wallace.

Mark Rasmussen, President and Buzzards Baykeeper, will represent the important work of the Buzzards Bay Coalition in saving the Bay and ensuring its well-being. 

Andy Herlihy, Executive Director of New Bedford’s Community Boating Center, and his staff will be on hand to explain the mission and activities of their organization. 

Tickets for the concert can be purchased online at: tricountysymphonicband.org