Symphony by the Sea may have moved its performances from Marblehead to Beverly, but the orchestra’s hometown ties remain strong. As it celebrates its 45th anniversary season, three Marblehead musicians are helping bring its music to life.
Flutist Carolyn Colby, violinist Sheila Vitale and singer and conductor Matthew Arnold are among the local talents contributing to the orchestra’s 2026-27 season, which opens Nov. 8 at The Cabot in Beverly.
Founded in 1981 by a small group of musicians, Symphony by the Sea has grown into a professional orchestra of 35 to 40 musicians. Led by Music Director and Conductor Donald Palma, it has brought classical music to North Shore audiences for more than four decades.
“All our programs are carefully curated to offer a season of variety, enjoyment and edification for our audience,” said Diana Taylor Markowitz, the orchestra’s social media manager.
This season’s programs include “The Heavenly Life,” “A Walk Through the English Countryside,” “Brahms Violin Concerto” and “Peter and the Wolf.”
Arnold, music director at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church in Marblehead and artistic director of its concert series, will serve as guest narrator for the April performance of “Peter and the Wolf.”
An accomplished singer, conductor and music director, Arnold has worked in opera, symphonic and choral music, musical theater, jazz and big band music.
Although narration is a departure from his usual musical roles, Arnold said he was delighted by the invitation. To prepare, he has been studying the narration, its pacing and how the spoken words fit into the musical structure.
“Storytelling through music has always been a major part of what I do,” said Arnold. “I’m excited about finding the places where those two elements really come together.”
For Colby, a longtime member of Symphony by the Sea, music has been part of her life since fourth grade, when she and her friends signed up for flute lessons. But when she discovered she was the only one who had ordered an instrument, she nearly abandoned the idea.
By high school, however, she had developed a passion for playing.
Colby joined Symphony by the Sea in the 1980s and has come to appreciate the orchestra’s intimate size and the opportunities it offers musicians. With typically just two players on each wind and brass instrument, she said, the challenging repertoire allows individual instruments to shine.
“Each part is unique, and we weave our melodies together, creating an intimate listening experience for the audience,” Colby said.
This season, Colby will play second flute and piccolo.
Violinist Sheila Vitale also has deep musical roots. Raised in a musical family in Akron, Ohio, she began playing violin at age 4 and became involved in the North Shore music community after moving to Marblehead in the late 1980s.
“I was happy to be able to add this musical organization into my life,” said Vitale.
Vitale said the orchestra holds three rehearsals during the week of each concert, with musicians preparing independently beforehand. She credits Palma with selecting compelling programs and soloists and helping audiences connect emotionally with the music.
“He educates and inspires our audiences with his wonderful way of bringing out the emotions of the music, touching the soul,” Vitale said.
Marblehead’s ties to the orchestra extend beyond the stage. Symphony by the Sea President Marcia Duffy and board members Howard Rich, Sharon Rich and Pat Flaherty are also town residents.
For many years, the orchestra performed at Marblehead’s Abbot Hall before moving to The Cabot in Beverly in 2015. Markowitz said the move provided better accommodations for growing audiences.
But the change in venue has not diminished the orchestra’s connection to Marblehead.
“Marblehead remains an important part of the orchestra’s identity, history and leadership, and its residents continue to play a meaningful role in ensuring the orchestra’s future,” said Markowitz.
As Symphony by the Sea marks its 45th anniversary, Palma said its mission remains unchanged.
“After 45 years of making music, our commitment is the same: to bring great music and great performers to the North Shore,” Palma said. “We can’t wait to share this season with our audience at the Cabot.”
For more information and tickets, visit symphonybythesea.org.
