Formerly known as the Sol Solis Consort, the Harmonic Inspiration Orchestra is a unique community music ensemble of intergenerational, diverse musicians. The group refers to itself as a “teaching orchestra” and welcomes all ages, backgrounds and levels of ability. Most of the group’s current musicians are elementary, middle and high school students. A handful of adults make up a consistent “skeleton” for each instrumental section in a string chamber format.
The Harmonic Inspiration Orchestra rehearses weekly in a non-competitive environment with open seating and offers a variety of free concerts throughout the year featuring the group’s unique take on chamber music. Small student chamber groups also play throughout the year, especially at the annual Gingerbread House Festival. The ensemble is led by artistic director and conductor Dr. Eric Chen.
History and Name
The Harmonic Inspiration Orchestra, as The Sol Solis Consort, was founded by Alexander Gurin as a small volunteer symphony in the Farmington Valley focused on Baroque and Early Classical music.
“Harmonic Inspiration” is the English translation of the Italian “L’estro Armonico.” Antonio Vivaldi’s L’estro Armonico, Opus 3, is one of the most influential collections of concertos in the Baroque era. Published in 1711, it consists of twelve concertos for one, two, and four violins with string orchestra and continuo. This groundbreaking work showcases Vivaldi’s mastery of contrast, rhythm, and melody—features that would later define the concerto form. L’estro Armonico not only brought Vivaldi international fame but also inspired generations of composers, including J.S. Bach, who admired and transcribed several of its concertos.
