FCSS plays at Music In The Woods

On April 9, FCSS partnered with Music In the Woods for a change of scenery. Owned by harpist, Lisa Tannebaum, the performance space is a newly renovated artist’s studio set in a wooded area of Mianus Park (Stamford, CT).

Looking to partner with FCSS for unique performance experiences? We're excited to collaborate and create unforgettable musical moments together. Please reach out to us!

Maestro Gunnar Sahlin celebrates 20 years of dedicated leadership

FCSS recently commemorated Gunnar Sahlin’s 20th anniversary as musical director! On September 26, 2023, FCSS members as well as family and friends gathered at Cedar Point Yacht Club in Westport to enjoy a potluck and “play-in” celebration— only this time, Gunnar traded in his baton for his cello, joining the ensemble in a surprise ABBA medley to honor his Swedish roots!

We asked FCSS members (past and present, near and far) to share some memories and well wishes to mark the occasion:

Gunnar, Congratulations on this wonderful milestone!!  Thank you for your leadership these past 20 years. Your easygoing, welcoming, enthusiastic leadership has given the gift of music to us all.  Watching you lead the group on my very first visit, I knew that FCSS was the right place for me to renew my relationship with the cello.  I have witnessed the orchestra and my own personal playing grow over the years thanks to your encouragement.  With heartfelt thanks!  - J.W.

Greetings from Massachusetts! One highlight for me was playing 5th cello for the opening of William Tell Overture in rehearsal quite a long time ago. Gunnar was preparing to play it with the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra. It was a thrilling experience. My first time playing with FCSS was as a bassoonist and we played a Beethoven Symphony. It was a huge group back then!! Another reminiscence is hoping that the heat wouldn’t come on at Merit Music as it thumped so loudly it was difficult to play. Huge benefits I got from playing here were getting to play chamber music with other string players. I played in a string cello quartet, occasional string quartets with various people and cello duos […] All my best to the group and Gunnar. I can’t believe it’s been 20 years!! - W.S.

What a wonderful idea to honor Gunnar!  I played with the FCSS from 2010 to 2019, when I moved to Vermont.  It was one of the things that I enjoyed most about  living in lower Fairfield County.  I looked forward to every rehearsal.  I loved sight-reading through string quartets and other chamber music as a group and got to play many pieces that I had not played before, as most orchestras focus on music for a full orchestra.  I loved playing in a smaller group and having my "voice" heard.  Gunnar was always appreciative of every person's contribution, no matter what skill level they brought to FCSS.  You didn't have to be great to have a great time playing in the FCSS and to feel welcome there.  I really enjoyed socializing during snack break, which other orchestras don't do because eating gums up wind and brass instruments!.  I really enjoyed Gunnar's laid back approach to making music at FCSS, and I fondly remember the expression on his face whenever he heard something that was wildly out of tune!  No criticism, just a look on his face.  Please express my thanks to him! - L.L.

FCSS looks forward to another amazing 20 years with Gunnar Sahlin!

FCSS founder Florence Saunders passes

It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of FCSS founder, Florence Saunders, on August 1, 2023.

She lived in Norwalk for 40 years before becoming a resident of Westport for 15 years.

Florence was born on May 28, 1926 to Anna and Meyer Hochberg in Brooklyn, NY. Her sister, Pearl, predeceased her in 1988 and her husband, Lawrence, predeceased her in 1996, after a long illness.

Florence earned her BA degree in early childhood education at Brooklyn College, NY and taught in the NY school system. She later married her childhood sweetheart, Larry, in 1948.

After her husband’s career move to N. Dartmouth, MA, she volunteered her services to teach kindergarten in the library, as there was no kindergarten classes in the town.

In 1966, she moved to Norwalk, immediately joining Temple Shalom, where she taught Sunday school, eventually becoming principal of the religious school. She worked there 25 years.

Florence later earned her Masters degree at the university of Bridgeport. She ran counseling groups for senior citizens at the West Ave. Senior Center, Norwalk. Her great passions were for Ballet and classical music, particularly chamber music and the cello, which she learned to play later in her life.

In 1976, Florence founded a chamber orchestra called the Fairfield County Symphony Society with the help of her cello teacher, John Swartz. The group still continues to meet for the joy of making music together.

Florence leaves behind her beloved family: Jennifer, spouse Neil, Diane, spouse Marilyn, David, and her grandchildren Michael, Sara and spouse Jeffrey, Emily, spouse Trevor; Ariel and Tali, as well as her nephew Dennis.

Services will be held graveside at the Hebrew Independent Cemetery, 143 Richards Ave., on Sunday, Aug, 6 at 11 a.m. Donations may be made to Temple Shalom, 259 Richards Ave., Norwalk, or the Fairfield County Symphony Society.

Published by The Hour on Aug. 4, 2023.