Classical Gassing

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 how an orchestra without auditions has not only thrived for 25 years, but developed a distinctive “Claflin Hill sound” and spirit.

Paul shares the story of starting out as an orchestra contractor, making phone calls on legal pads in the pre-email era, and slowly building a trusted network of musicians. From Nutcracker pits to symphonic debuts, the orchestra’s growth has always depended on community connections.

We also talk about:

• Why auditions can be stressful and misleading — and why referrals often work better.

• How sitting next to someone in a rehearsal tells you more than any prepared excerpt ever could.

• The role of trust, dependability, and musicianship in building an orchestra family.

• How section leaders recruit and shape their groups, passing on the Claflin Hill “style.”

• A behind-the-scenes story of scrambling to replace a concertmaster the week of Mahler’s Fifth — and how the orchestra rose to the challenge.

• Why many of today’s symphony players are alumni of Claflin Hill’s Youth Orchestra program.

At Claflin Hill, filling the roster isn’t about numbers or auditions. It’s about people. It’s about musicians who share energy, spirit, and joy — creating performances that audiences don’t just hear, but feel.

🎻 Join us as we explore the human side of orchestral life and discover what makes this orchestra unique.

🎙 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 & Artistic Director of the Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra, for a candid conversation about the art — and logistics — of programming a season that’s both audience-friendly and artistically adventurous.

From Beethoven’s Fifth to bold new discoveries, Paul shares how he balances “crowd-pleasers” with works audiences might not yet know they’ll love. It’s like designing a restaurant menu: some familiar comfort food, some seasonal specials, and just enough surprise to keep everyone coming back.

We talk about:

• Season strategy — how repertoire is chosen and sequenced.

• Tradition vs. innovation — why Holiday Pops remains a cherished anchor.

• Audience building — how “fusion programming” can introduce listeners to new favorites.

• The musician’s experience — why Claflin Hill feels more like a family than just a gig.

• Community impact — how a local orchestra becomes a cultural cornerstone.

You’ll also hear some great stories:
🎻 When audiences came for Phantom of the Opera but left raving about Scheherazade.
🥁 The 5-minute Russian piece that won over even the most traditional listeners.
🎶 How a percussionist’s 25-year tenure with the orchestra became “life-saving.”

Paul’s insights pull back the curtain on the decisions, challenges, and joys that go into every Claflin Hill season. Whether you’re a classical music lover, a casual listener, or simply curious about how cultural institutions thrive, you’ll walk away with a deeper appreciation for the people and the passion that make it all happen.

Listen now and subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes.
Learn more at claflinhill.org

Links mentioned in this episode:
🎥 Milford TV performance of The Iron Foundry in the season finale: Silver Anniversary Triumph
🎼 Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra 26th Season details

The heritage is not the celebration of ashes, but keeping the fire burning. — Gustav Mahler