Bucks Co. Conservatory Honors Sondheim In Virtual Tribute Concert

DOYLESTOWN, PA – On Sunday night, lauded performers and teachers of young musicians gathered at The Conservatory in Doylestown to pay homage to Stephen Sondheim, the late musical theater giant who began his playwriting career in Bucks County before his name was known around the world.

Rachael Gallagher, The Conservatory’s executive director, said the goal was to present an evening of Sondheim’s most “well-loved” works.

“His work is so extensive that tonight you’re only going to hear a snippet,” she said in her opening remarks.

But that snippet offered a varied look at Sondheim’s catalogue, with selections from Follies to Into the Woods to Company performed by guest artists and conservatory faculty.

Featured guest artist Keith Spencer headlined the evening, performing a medley of West Side Story’s “Something’s Coming,” “Tonight,” and “Maria,” followed by “Sorry-Grateful” from Company and then, to close out the night, the beloved “Being Alive.”

“What a joy to perform this music,” Spencer said.

For her part, Gallagher was delighted that he made time to be part of the show.

“It’s a real honor to have someone of his caliber come and join us,” she told Patch.

Spencer, an accomplished baritone vocalist who lives in Dresher, has performed all over the Philadelphia area and recently launched a trio of concerts focusing on the African-American experience.

Guest artists Heidi Murphy and David Williams also performed beautifully in the Sunday with Sondheim concert, as did faculty members Susan Whitenack, Bill Gottshall, Betsy Young, Faye Meyer, and Kim Harris.

Those teachers are part of a team that puts on private and group lessons for more than 300 students weekly across all kinds of instruments. As Bucks County’s oldest and largest nonprofit music school, The Conservatory has been a key part of the local music scene since 1988 – but the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic has meant needing to make some big changes, fast.

That’s why Sunday’s concert was a live-streamed event, with a camera in place and a Zoom audience expressing their appreciation through clapping emojis.

Although it’s been a challenge, Gallagher said virtual events have been a great way for area music-lovers to stay in touch with their passion despite the challenges of COVID-19.

“The idea really came from the place of wanting to keep music alive and keep people connected to something they couldn’t have during the pandemic,” she said.

Now, many students have returned masked in the building. But over the past year The Conservatory created innovative new programming including virtual lessons, the use of wind tents, and even socially-distanced storytimes for families with young children to enjoy a book and musical accompaniment. (When reading the book “Ricky, the Rock That Couldn’t Roll,” a conservatory teacher played rock songs on his electric guitar).

“We really tried to provide a safe space for them to come,” Gallagher said.

Still, some programming has not recovered: group classes have been slow to start, Gallagher said, and the music therapy programs offered in area homes for seniors or centers for people with disabilities have not gotten going again.

Still, The Conservatory is getting back on its feet and making the new normal work. Gallagher said the organization is proud to continue to offer free programs for low-income families and tuition assistance for private lessons.

“Having the community be able to access our programs is really important to us,” she said.

While Sunday night’s event was free, Gallagher did ask for donations to the music school.

“Magical musical moments,” she said. “That’s what we do at The Conservatory every day.”

Those interested can view the Sunday with Sondheim concert here.

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