Classical Gassing

Things happen because people raise their hands. In this Father's Day episode of Classical Gassing , Paul Surapine shares a childhood memory that shaped the course of his life. When a room full of parents wanted their children to have a Cub Scout pack—but nobody would volunteer to lead it—Paul's father quietly raised his hand. That simple act of service became a lesson about leadership, res...

As Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra approaches the end of its fiscal year, Bernadette Stockwell and Paul Surapine tackle a simple but profound question: Why do people give? From childhood lessons about generosity to the role arts organizations play in strengthening communities, this candid conversation explores what inspires philanthropy, why music matters, and how every gift—large or small—helps c...

Claflin Hill Looks Back on Season 26 and Launches Family Night at the Bandstand Season 31In this episode of Classical Gassing, music director Paul Surapine reflects on Claflin Hill’s recently completed 26th symphony season and previews the upcoming 31st season of free summer park concerts, Family Night at the Bandstand, based at Milford Town Park while touring Blackstone, Medway, Whitinsville, Hol...

Bernadette Stockwell sits down with Anna Damigella—wind ensemble director, program revival co-founder, and band director at Melican Middle School—and Zach Surapine, strings director for the Youth Symphony revival and Paul’s son, to discuss the relaunch of the Claflin Hill Youth Symphonies after the pandemic brought in-person music-making to a halt. Anna and Zach reflect on their own musical beginn...

It’s been an incredible season at the Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra — and we’re not slowing down. In this episode, Bernadette sits down with Founder & Artistic Director Paul Surapine to reflect on a year filled with bold programming, unforgettable performances, and thrilling audience response — from the powerful, all-wind ensemble concert (10 winds, 6 percussionists, and not a string in sigh...

What does it take to grow an orchestra—not just musically, but as a living, breathing part of a community? In this New Year episode of Classical Gassing, Bernadette Stockwell sits down with Paul Surapine , founder and executive & artistic director of the Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra, for a wide-ranging conversation about growth, risk, regeneration, and why live performance still matters mor...

How one audience member found Claflin Hill — and why the orchestra keeps pulling him back, season after season. A clarinet birthday gift. A chance connection. A first concert that changed everything. This week on Classical Gassing , CHSO Music Director Paul Surapine sits down with audience member Peter Vangsness , who shares how he discovered Claflin Hill — and why he now attends nearly every conc...

A luminous conversation with soprano Sierra Lary on storytelling, seasons of the soul, and the music that brings us home. This week on Classical Gassing , we look forward—not back—with soprano Sierra Lary , whose radiant performance in last season’s Carmina Burana left our audience and musicians spellbound. In this intimate conversation, Sierra joins Paul and Bernadette to talk about her upcoming...

Classical Gassing — November 16, 2025 This week’s episode is a heartfelt departure from our usual backstage banter. We dedicate this special recording to Sachiko (“Sashko”) Murata , our November 8th soloist, who delivered an extraordinary performance of the Strauss Oboe Concerto — and then sent Music Director Paul Surapine a deeply personal reflection about her artistic journey. At Paul’s request,...

Today's 'Classical Gassing' is based on Jon Ceander Mitchell's Program Notes. Click here to read the full manuscript. This episode dives into the minds of three composers who each, in their own way, redefined what “home” and “heritage” sound like in music. From the experimental soundscapes of Charles Ives, to the late-life renaissance of Richard Strauss, to Antonín Dvořák’s search...

Back to the Future: Claflin Hill’s 26th Season Launch In this episode of Classical Gassing , Host and Artistic Director Paul Surapine take listeners behind the scenes as the Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra prepares to open its 26th season. They reflect on the challenges and triumphs of the 25th anniversary year, explore the meaning behind the concert theme Back to the Future , and dive into the mu...

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, Bernadette Stockwell sits down with Paul Surapine , Executive and Artistic Director of the Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra , to talk about what truly makes Claflin Hill unique. From humble beginnings to becoming a “hub of culture” for Central Massachusetts, Paul reflects on how the orchestra has stayed true to its mission for more than 25 years — building c...

When one Broadway ticket costs more than an entire Claflin Hill Symphony season, it’s time to rethink what “a night out” means. In this heartfelt and funny conversation, Executive & Artistic Director Paul Surapine reflects on the affordability and accessibility of live music — and why community-supported culture matters now more than ever. You’ll hear stories about: 🎭 The cost of a Broadway n...

Special shout out to Claflin Hill’s Principal Trumpet, Erich Ledebuhr, who recorded Classical Gassing’s Intro and Outro. We love it! What do symphony orchestras and NASCAR have in common? More than you might think. In this episode, Bernadette and Paul Surapine, Executive & Artistic Director of the Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra, explore the essential role of business sponsorships in sustainin...

🍂 Fall has arrived in New England — and with it, a brand-new Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra season! In this episode, host Bernadette Stockwell sits down with Paul Surapine, Executive & Artistic Director , to preview the season opener on November 8 . Paul shares behind-the-scenes stories about loyal season ticket holders, the personal connections that make Claflin Hill unique, and what to exp...

Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra isn’t just about world-class performances — it’s also about nurturing the next generation of musicians. In this episode, Paul Surapine, Executive & Artistic Director, continues the conversation on music education, youth programs, and the “farm team” that helps sustain a professional orchestra . From the Claflin Hill Youth Symphonies to private lessons, recitals,...

In this episode of Classical Gassing , we launch a new miniseries on one of the most vital topics for Claflin Hill and for the arts: education . Host Bernadette sits down with Paul Surapine , Executive and Artistic Director of the Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra, to reflect on the role of education in music, culture, and community. Topics we explore: Paul’s first clarinet lesson in 1968 and how fa...

When you walk into a concert hall, you see rows of violins, a wall of brass, and the percussionists poised at the back—but why are they always arranged this way? In this episode of Classical Gassing, Bernadette Stockwell sits down with Paul Surapine, founder and executive director of the Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra, to explore how orchestras are put together—literally. From the bird’s-eye view...

Most orchestras fill their seats through formal auditions. But at Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra, the roster grows in a very different way: through referrals, relationships, and trust. In this episode of Classical Gassing: Conversations About Culture & Community , Bernadette Stockwell chats with Claflin Hill's Executive & Artistic Director Paul Surapine taking us behind the scenes of...

🎙 Classical Gassing: Conversations About Culture & Community — Episode 1 "Behind the Curtain: How an Orchestra Builds a Season" What goes into planning a symphony orchestra’s concert season? Spoiler: it’s a lot more than picking a few favorite pieces and calling it a day. In this debut episode of Classical Gassing , host Bernadette Stockwell sits down with Paul Surapine , Executive &...