The Youth Ensemble of New England
June 20, 2025 7:00 PM
The Youth Ensemble of New England was founded over 20 years ago by Dr. Virginia-Gene Rittenhouse, and Dr. Connie Rittenhouse Drexler for children in and near Lancaster MA. The current ensemble is composed of talented young students ranging in age from 11 to 18 years old, with a couple of supporting adult musicians. The Ensemble has played in churches and concert halls all over New England, and in the past have toured Iceland, England, Scotland, and Canada. The orchestra’s mission is to share sacred and classical music to churches and other audiences, and to especially share the love of this music with the students in the orchestra. The performances will also educate the audiences of the musical pieces and composers as Dr. Drexler, introduces each piece.
Surry Arts & Events
June 20, 2025 at 7pm
Balletto from Ancient Airs and
Dances Suite 1
Ottorino Respighir
Allegro from Eine Kleine Nachtmusik W.A. Mozart
Pavane Maurice Ravel
Andante from Symphony No. 94 “Surprise” Franz Joseph Hayden
Concerto Grosso in D Minor (Allegro,
Adagio, Allegro)
Antonio Vivaldi, arranged by Sam
Franko
Anya Neidigh, Hannah Haley: violins, Sabina Haley: cello
Concerto in A Minor for 2 Violins, Op. 3,
No. 8, RV 522
Antonio Vivaldi
Abby Dik, Sarah Gifford: violins
Cornelius March Felix Mendelssohn
Sheep May Safely Graze,
from Cantata BWV 208
J.S. Bach
Cecily Rochman, Kate Hodson, flutes
Moira Shaul bassoon
Pie Jesu from Requiem Andrew Lloyd Webber
Sarah Gifford, Amanda Gifford: vocal duet
Jericho Journey Stephen Bullal
Rondo in G John Bull
Pax from Rose Quartet Catherine McMichael
Kate Hodson, piano
Celtic Roots Soon Hee Newbold
Abby Dik, Fiddle
Libertango Astor Piazzolla
Highland Cathedral Ulrich Roever & Michael KorbMusicians
Director Dr. Connie Rittenhouse Drexler
Violin
Abby Dik
Sarah Gifford
Hannah Haley
Kathryn Kalmansson
Anya Neidigh
Viola
Donna Dik
Cello
Amanda Gifford
Sabina Haley
Moira Shaul
Bass
Joshua Gifford
Bassoon
Moira Shaul
Flute
Kate Hodson
Cecily Rochman
French Horn
Jill Hodson
Trombone
Pall Kalmansson
Dr. Connie Rittenhouse Drexler (conductor) is one of the founding members of the New
England Youth Ensemble begun by her aunt, mentor, and piano teacher, Dr. Virginia-Gene
Rittenhouse. She traveled the world with the orchestra as piano soloist, violinist, and violist. As
a high school student she won the New England Piano Teacher’s Association Competition twice.
She studied music education and pre-med at Atlantic Union College in South Lancaster,
Massachusetts, and went on to get her Masters Degree in Piano Performance from Boston
University. She then went to Loma Linda University School of Medicine in southern California,
and took a residency in Internal Medicine. She has practiced Internal Medicine in the inpatient
and outpatient setting in Marlborough and Worcester since 1989. She is married to Dr. David
Drexler. They have two children, Robert and Katharine, both of whom have played in the
Chamber Orchestra and the Youth Ensemble. She is especially grateful for David’s love and
support. Dr. Connie Rittenhouse Drexler has always enjoyed combining the love of music with
the love of medicine and feels that they compliment each other. She has a busy Internal
Medicine practice but finds the time to teach piano, strings, and voice at Thayer Conservatory in
South Lancaster, MA. One of her greatest joys is sharing the great heritage of music with her
students and audiences.
The Youth Ensemble of New England was founded over 20 years ago by Dr.
Virginia-Gene Rittenhouse, and Dr. Connie Rittenhouse Drexler for children in and near
Lancaster MA. The current ensemble is composed of talented young students ranging in age
from 10 to 18 years old, with a couple of supporting adult musicians. The Ensemble has
played in churches and concert halls all over New England, and in the past have toured
Iceland, England, Scotland, and Canada. The orchestra’s mission is to share sacred and
classical music to churches and other audiences, and to especially share the love of this
music with the students in the orchestra. The performances will also educate the audiences
of the musical pieces and composers as Dr. Drexler, introduces each piece.