Take her out to the ball game!

“I’m so excited I can hardly stand it,” wrote Holly MacEwen Krafka in an email to me.  She was sharing the news about the call she’d received, inviting her to conduct “The Star-spangled Banner” at Fenway Park’s opening day.  [And no, despite the date on this post, this is not an April Fool's joke!]

Holly, who has served as the Symphony NH Chorus’ conductor since August of 2012, has certainly earned her spot on the mound.  As founder and conductor of New World Chorale, she’s built a reputation as one of New England’s leading choral conductors.  So it was only natural that the Red Sox should seek Holly out as they prepare to celebrate their 60-year partnership with the Jimmy Fund, which supports research and treatment for children with cancer.  The performance features kids and adults – both current and former patients – who have benefitted from the Jimmy Fund’s programs.  In addition to “The Star-spangled Banner”, the ensemble will sing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” and “Just One Person” from the musical Snoopy.

The opening day game is scheduled for Monday, April 8^th at 2:05 pm.

“What a thrill it is getting to work with the wonderful people at the Jimmy Fund and the Red Sox organization,” Holly gushed.  “Preparing to sing at Fenway Park combines two of my greatest loves: singing and the Boston Red Sox!”

We’re so lucky to have such a respected member of New England’s musical community leading our Symphony chorus.

Local music lovers can see Holly conduct the Symphony NH Chorus right here in Nashua by attending the “Center Stage” concert on Saturday, April 27 at Keefe Center for the Arts.  The program includes opera choruses by Verdi, scenes from Puccini’s La Bohème, and suites from Phantom of the Opera and Les Misérables.