The Auburn Chamber Orchestra will take center stage this Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Merry-Go-Round Playhouse (The Rev Theatre), performing a “Pops Concert: Let’s Go to the Movies” featuring classic and contemporary film scores.
The concert, which is free and open to the public, is the first of two spring performances planned by the orchestra. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early as seating is first come, first served and donations are welcomed to help sustain the all-volunteer organization.
Ally Colvin, the orchestra’s president and a local attorney, joined Beyond the Front Page with Guy Cosentino to preview the upcoming program, which includes selections from Star Wars, James Bond, Batman, and other iconic soundtracks. The 60-piece community ensemble spans generations—musicians range from teenagers to a 98-year-old violinist—and showcases local talent from Auburn and beyond.
“This concert will be very recognizable and accessible,” Colvin said. “There’s something magical about hearing these cinematic scores live—and we’re excited to bring that experience to our audience.”
In addition to well-known action themes, the orchestra will also perform more contemplative pieces like “Somewhere in Time” and the theme from “Band of Brothers.”
The concert will feature a special introduction by Haley Booth of the Cayuga Museum, which is partnering with the orchestra to highlight Auburn’s historic connection to the birth of sound-on-film technology.
The Rev’s 501-seat venue has become a regular home for the orchestra in recent years, praised for its acoustics and intimate setting. The ensemble does not charge admission but relies on community support through at-will donations, program sponsorships, and local advertising to cover expenses. Only the conductor, Dr. Victor Vallo, is a paid position. All other musicians and board members volunteer their time.
Vallo, now in his third season, selects the music and leads weekly rehearsals. Sunday’s concert will include one lighthearted surprise, Colvin teased, though she declined to give details.
The orchestra’s second spring concert, “Symphonic March Madness,” will take place Sunday, May 4, also at 2 p.m. at the Rev. That program will feature shorter march compositions by composers including Mendelssohn, Tchaikovsky, Wagner, and Verdi. It will also include a “side-by-side” performance, where younger student musicians will play alongside orchestra members.
Colvin noted that the group is always looking to expand its roster, particularly in brass sections such as French horn and tuba. Aspiring musicians are encouraged to audition, with the process typically involving both prepared and sight-read pieces under the direction of Vallo and a section leader.
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