Subscribers David Williams (l.) and Joseph Varga

Meet subscribers David Williams and Joseph Varga, recently transplanted from Madison, Wisconsin to upstate Pennsylvania where, Joseph says, "we've become comfortably accustomed to the rural lifestyle." David is a retired engineer, and Joseph is a theatrical stage designer and professor emeritus in the Department of Theatre and Drama at the University of Wisconsin.

We recently had the great pleasure of talking with the couple about their love for the Binghamton Philharmonic, which Joseph calls "this wonderful orchestra of which we are avid fans," and their experiences as subscribers.

Binghamton Philharmonic: What inspired you to become subscribers to the Philharmonic?

Joseph Varga: Well, we came from Madison, which has a fine symphony orchestra that plays in a world-class concert hall. We had season tickets there, so we thought we'd continue subscribing with Binghamton's symphony. Having moved to rural northern Pennsylvania, we were fairly surprised that there was this professional orchestra offering great music right nearby. We quickly found that the Binghamton Philharmonic was phenomenal and led by an extraordinary maestro. Let me mention also how much I appreciate Maestro Daniel Hege's remarks, given just prior to raising his baton. His words are brief, but they always frame the piece perfectly, and this adds greatly to our enjoyment of the music.

We've also come to look forward to Julia Grella O'Connell's program notes, a distinct enhancement to the enjoyment and understanding of the music the orchestra plays. Her notes are as insightful as they are informative. She offers not only the historical facts, but also an interpretation explaining the juxtaposition of the specific works being played. Whether for a novice concert-goer or a music fan of long experience, her notes invariably illuminate the musical experience in a fresh way.

David Williams: I grew up in a musical household and have had a deep desire to reconnect with classical music played live.

Binghamton Philharmonic: What keeps you coming back?

JV: The quality of the music. Besides, we're big Beethoven fans (we consider his Sixth Symphony "our song"). We began subscribing in the season that featured the Fifth Symphony, and we're greatly looking forward to Symphonies 7, 8, and 9 this season.

But it's not just Beethoven. We love the wide range of pieces the Philharmonic offers, including some scintillating contemporary works, and all played with such verve!

Then there's also the live factor. Though I grew up with rock and roll, I've always considered classical music my favorite genre. I've become familiar with many works over the years, but there's a surprising number of them that I've only experienced through recordings. Getting to witness them performed live is always a revelation.

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