🎙 Classical Gassing: Conversations About Culture & Community — Episode 1
"Behind the Curtain: How an Orchestra Builds a Season"

What goes into planning a symphony orchestra’s concert season?
Spoiler: it’s a lot more than picking a few favorite pieces and calling it a day.

In this debut episode of Classical Gassing, host Bernadette Stockwell sits down with Paul Surapine, Executive & Artistic Director of the Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra, for a candid conversation about the art — and logistics — of programming a season that’s both audience-friendly and artistically adventurous.

From Beethoven’s Fifth to bold new discoveries, Paul shares how he balances “crowd-pleasers” with works audiences might not yet know they’ll love. It’s like designing a restaurant menu: some familiar comfort food, some seasonal specials, and just enough surprise to keep everyone coming back.

We talk about:

• Season strategy — how repertoire is chosen and sequenced.

• Tradition vs. innovation — why Holiday Pops remains a cherished anchor.

• Audience building — how “fusion programming” can introduce listeners to new favorites.

• The musician’s experience — why Claflin Hill feels more like a family than just a gig.

• Community impact — how a local orchestra becomes a cultural cornerstone.

You’ll also hear some great stories:
🎻 When audiences came for Phantom of the Opera but left raving about Scheherazade.
🥁 The 5-minute Russian piece that won over even the most traditional listeners.
🎶 How a percussionist’s 25-year tenure with the orchestra became “life-saving.”

Paul’s insights pull back the curtain on the decisions, challenges, and joys that go into every Claflin Hill season. Whether you’re a classical music lover, a casual listener, or simply curious about how cultural institutions thrive, you’ll walk away with a deeper appreciation for the people and the passion that make it all happen.

Listen now and subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes.
Learn more at claflinhill.org

Links mentioned in this episode:
🎥 Milford TV performance of The Iron Foundry in the season finale: Silver Anniversary Triumph
🎼 Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra 26th Season details

The heritage is not the celebration of ashes, but keeping the fire burning. — Gustav Mahler