On Saturday evening, music lovers gathered at Atonement Lutheran Church in Wyomissing for Berks Sinfonietta’s latest concert, Music in C. The program explored the expressive range of the key of C major and minor, featuring works by Mozart, Handel, and the long-overlooked French composer Louise Farrenc.
The church provided an intimate yet resonant setting. The blend of strings and winds filled the sanctuary with a warmth and clarity that carried beautifully through the space. The performance balanced energy and elegance, showcasing the ensemble’s precision while highlighting the rich textures of the music. With its close connection between players and listeners, the concert offered both intimacy and grandeur, highlighting Berks Sinfonietta’s homegrown artistry.
The evening opened with Handel’s Concerto Grosso in C Major, HWV 318 “Alexander’s Feast”. Full of festive spirit and dramatic flair, the piece immediately set a celebratory tone. The ensemble, led by Jennifer Sternick, brought out both the regal flourishes and the lyrical slower sections, giving the audience a lively and colorful introduction to the night.
Mozart’s Symphony No. 28 in C Major, K. 200 followed under the baton of guest conductor Dr. Rick Barrantes Agüero. Bright and playful, the symphony sparkled with youthful charm and rhythmic vitality. The graceful second movement gave way to a spirited minuet, while the final presto carried an energy that showcased the Sinfonietta’s tight ensemble playing.
After intermission, the program concluded with Louise Farrenc’s Symphony No. 1 in C Minor, Op. 32, conducted by Artistic Director Dr. David A. McConnell. Bold, dramatic, and full of sweeping themes, the work revealed a symphonic voice as assured as it was overlooked for far too long. Its lyrical second movement and vigorous finale made a striking impression, leaving the audience with a sense of both discovery and admiration.
Violinist and board member Thuy Nguyen reflected on what makes performing with Berks Sinfonietta special. “It’s always like meeting with old friends and making music,” she said. “It’s really nice to see all of our hard work throughout the week come to fruition and to share our love for music with our community.”
Audience members responded enthusiastically with a standing ovation. Music in C was more than a concert — it was a demonstration of Berks Sinfonietta’s role in both preserving beloved classics and reintroducing hidden gems. With a dedicated group of professional and emerging musicians, the orchestra continues to present performances that feel both accessible and world-class to local audiences.
Berks Sinfonietta will return in the new year with “Soloists A Round” on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at Atonement Lutheran Church. The program will feature Mozart’s Concerto for Bassoon in B-flat Major with soloist Joshua Schairer, Concerto for Flute No. 1 in G Major with soloist Suzanne Francis, Rounds for String Orchestra by David Diamond, and Ruth Gipps’ Jane Grey, Fantasy for Viola and String Orchestra with soloist Kathleen Bahena. For more information, visit berkssinfonietta.org.
