| Newton MA News and Politics Blog

Violinist Keila Wakao and singer-songwriter Catie Curtis

The 25th season of Newton’s New Philharmonia Orchestra opens with a gala concert and reception on Saturday, Sept. 21, at 7 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, 848 Beacon St., Newton Centre. The concert features internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter Catie Curtis, performing a couple of her songs with the orchestra. The concert also features thirteen-year old violin phenom Keila Wakao joining the orchestra for Camille Saint-Saëns’ Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso.  Mayor Ruthanne Fuller will make her New Phil debut, narrating Aaron Copland’s “Lincoln Portrait.” Tickets are $25 to $250 and can be purchased at newphil.org.

Don’t miss this Gala Concert.  Keila Wakao will simply blow you away with her virtuosity and Catie Curtis is a musical treasure who lives right here in Newton.  We are so lucky to have them both to help celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the New Philharmonic Orchestra.  In addition, Representative Kay Khan will be the guest of honor in recognition of her long-time commitment to championing the arts.  Kay is one of the founding members of the Newton Cultural Alliance, which is currently renovating and preserving the historic Nathaniel Allen House in West Newton and converting it into an arts center featuring a black box theater.  As a state representative, Kay is also known for her work on turning STEM into STEAM, adding the Arts to the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics curriculum in Massachusetts.