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The New Westchester Symphony Orchestra
The New Westchester Symphony Orchestra (NewWSO) was founded in November 2011 when conductor Benjamin Niemczyk and adult-beginner bassist Belinda Kan decided to create new and exciting opportunity for musicians in Westchester County and beyond. Their vision was to create an ensemble where instrumentalists of any age and ability could gather together to play great music together.

The musicians of the New WSO range from people who have played an instrument their whole lives but chose not to make their professional career in music, to people who haven't played their instrument in many decades. Some may play one instrument proficiently or professionally but feel called to learn a new instrument with NewWSO. Most have not played with an orchestra since high school or college and are thrilled to once again to make music with others in a supportive, non-competitive setting.

NewWSO's repertoire is drawn from original orchestrations of the greatest works in music history. All music is carefully selected to suit the wide range of skill level amongst the members. Musicians who want to "take it easy" have many pieces to enjoy, while members who are eager to tackle more challenging pieces are given ample opportunity to do so.

In its short history, NewWSO has made community appearances in Westchester County, including venues such as retirement communities and public libraries. The musicians take pride in bringing great music to people who might not otherwise be able to travel to a performance. NewWSO also collaborates regularly with local choral groups, giving Westchester singers frequent opportunities to perform with an orchestra.

NewWSO's future is bright due to the dedication and adventurous spirit of its members and the generosity of contributors who believe that something great is happening for the arts in Westchester. Upcoming performances include a Gilbert & Sullivan singalong and Waltz Night as well as our ever-expanding repertoire of the classics. Future programs include regular community service performances and a composition competition aimed at local composers. The NewWSO believes there is nothing greater than giving people the opportunity to make music with and for one another, and is excited to be a catalyst for the proliferation of musical performance in Westchester County.

Benjamin Niemczyk
- At work both in front of and behind the camera, Benjamin Niemczyk is an artist of uncommon range. Balancing his time between photography, graphic design, singing and conducting, he gave his debut as conductor of the Civic Orchestra of the Chicago Symphony in a staged performance of Saint-Saëns Carnival of the Animals in 2000.

Since that time, he has sung in the most admired concert halls of Chicago and New York. Having studied under contemporary music gurus Cliff Colnot and Harold Rosenbaum, he gave his Town Hall conducting debut in 2004, his European debut in the south of France in 2004 and continues to participate in concert performances at such venues as Avery Fisher Hall, Alice Tully Hall, Carnegie Hall, Radio City Music Hall as well as on national television and in feature films. He can be heard on numerous commercial recordings, particularly those of early music. He is a founding member of C4 (Choral Composer/Conductor Collective, www.c4ensemble.org), the nation's largest new music choral ensemble. He is a strong advocate of the production and performance of new music and in 2010 appears on multiple CD recordings as conductor of new music by Baroque great Anthony Newman.

In addition to WOS, Mr. Niemczyk conducts The Chrysalis Consort and is a founding member of the New Westchester Symphony, based in White Plains, NY. Chrysalis specializes in chamber music from all eras but particularly modern and contemporary music. New Westchester Symphony is a community ensemble comprised of business professionals who love music but never pursued careers in it.

Mr. Niemczyk holds two degrees in composition from Wheaton College Conservatory of Music and the DePaul University School of Music. He resides in Brooklyn, NYC.

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