Southern Delaware Orchestra

On May 4, 2026, a woodwind trio comprised of SODELO members, Marcy Parykaza (flute), Cindy-Lee DiMeglio (flute), and Rob Putt (bassoon), performed for more than 180 attendees at the Lord Baltimore Woman's Club event at the Delaware Botanical Gardens, located at 30220 Piney Neck Road, Dagsboro, DE 19939. The event was covered in the most recent Coastal Point – check out this photo of the trio hard at work!

Get Tickets! https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=320035

A concert celebrating America's spirit wouldn't be complete without the famous piece by Aaron Copland, "Fanfare for the Common Man." This piece was commissioned by Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra conductor Eugene Goossens for the orchestra's 1942–43 season. The title initially perplexed Goossens, as he had requested patriotic pieces—why would this one honor the "common man?"

Copland went through many potential titles (at least seven!) honoring "heroes" and "freedoms," but he ultimately landed on Fanfare for the Common Man because, "it was the common man, after all, who was doing all the dirty work in the war and in the army. He deserved a fanfare." —Copland

Goossens agreed that the title was "as original as its music" and arranged for the piece to premiere on March 15, 1943. SODELO is honored to bring it to the stage for our July concert, American Spirit, Coastal Soul. Get your tickets now to hear this historic piece and more!

Mark your calendars, invite your friends, and get ready to experience the sound of the 250th summer in Southern Delaware. ❤️💙

We are just one month away from SODELO’s next concert: American Spirit, Coastal Soul! 🇺🇸🐚🎶 (Tickets: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=320035)

In just a few weeks, the Southern Delaware Orchestra takes the stage for a concert celebrating the music, spirit, and stories that bring our community together. Featuring beloved American classics, United Sounds of America by Delaware’s Poet Laureates, The Twin Poets, and World Premiere of Coastal Delaware Suite by Brian Cox, this is a performance you won’t want to miss!

📍 July 11 at 3 PM — Milford High School
📍 July 12 at 3 PM — Cape Henlopen High School

The arts have always been strengthened by the creativity, passion, and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community. From the concert hall to the classroom, LGBTQ+ artists, advocates, and supporters help keep the arts vibrant, relevant, and alive. SODELO is just one of many arts organizations that has been positively impacted by this community.

This month, we celebrate the individuals who continue to inspire us through their talent, authenticity, and dedication to building a more inclusive artistic landscape.
Happy Pride from SODELO! 🏳️‍🌈🎶

Three exceptional artists join us for our July Concert: American Spirit, Coastal Soul!

Get Tickets: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=320035

We're thrilled to welcome soloists Makeda Hampton, Terry Klinefelter, and Jonathan Whitney to the stage for our upcoming concert saluting Delaware’s 250th anniversary. Their artistry, passion, and talent will help bring this program to life, creating an experience that promises to inspire, entertain, and move audiences. Get to know them in the slides, then experience their performances live on stage.

Whether you're a longtime supporter or joining us for the first time, this is a concert you won't want to miss.

📅 July 11 at 📍Milford High School
📅 July 12 at 📍Cape Henlopen High School

Join us as we celebrate the power of live music and the incredible talent of these featured soloists.

SODELO is excited to partner with the Poet Laureates for the state of Delaware in our upcoming July concert, American Spirit Coastal Soul!

Identical twins Wilmington City Councilman Al Mills and State Representative Nnamdi Chukwuocha, known as the Twin Poets, are licensed master level social workers, award-winning spoken word poets, nonprofit administrators, community activists, and appointed in December 2015 as the 17th Poets Laureate of the State of Delaware. As Poets Laureate the Twin Poets have been strong advocates for poetry throughout the state by: Incorporating spoken word and creative writing programming into schools and community centers; introducing poetry as a tool for transformation within detention centers and correctional facilities; trauma work with fellow veterans and taking spoken word into communities affected by gun violence. The Twin Poets were 2020 National Poet Laureate Fellows and curators of the Write Now! Poetry Festival.

For our concert, they will be performing selections from United Sounds of America by Mark Hagerty alongside SODELO and the acclaimed soprano Makeda Hampton. Be sure to get your tickets before they sell out! You won’t want to miss this memorable event!

Read more about the Twin Poets and grab your tickets here: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=320035

We are excited to introduce the newest SODELO members to join our Board of Directors. Read their bios below and share your congratulations in the comments!

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Stephanie Tsantes, Director

Having practiced law for more than 30 years in Delaware, cellist Stephanie Tsantes currently leads the Sussex Office of Conflicts Counsel in the Office of Defense Services. She previously was a trial attorney with the Public Defender’s Office and Deputy Attorney General for Delaware. She served on the Lewes City Council for twelve years.

Stephanie started cello in third grade and played through law school. After a 20 year hiatus from playing music while she pursued her legal career, she started playing cello again when she saw a Facebook post about a new orchestra in 2022. She is so glad to have music in her life once again.

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Robert Moyer, Artistic Advisory Committee Chair

Dr. Robert Moyer is a semi-retired rheumatologist who has been active with SODELO since its inception as a member of the cello section and more recently chairing the Artistic Advisory Committee. He has previously served as President of the Board of the Dover Symphony Orchestra and Advisory Board for Opera Delaware. He is also an organist at St. Jude the Apostle and St. John Neumann, Berlin, MD. He is looking forward very much to furthering SODELO's mission in Southern Delaware over the next few years.

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Mario Pino, Outreach Committee Chair

Mario Pino is a versatile musician and educator whose career spans Broadway, classical halls, and jazz collaborations with legends like Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, and Diana Ross. He is currently the Associate Principal trumpet for SODELO and leads the SODELO community outreach program.