A Thriving Cultural Garden in Downtown Milford

What does it take to grow an orchestra—not just musically, but as a living, breathing part of a community?In this New Year episode of Classical Gassing, Bernadette Stockwell sits down with Paul Surapine, founder and executive & artistic director of the Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra, for a wide-ranging conversation about growth, risk, regeneration, and why live performance still matters more than ever.Using the metaphor of an empty lot turned into a thriving garden, Paul reflects on Claflin Hill’s 25-year journey—from its earliest days to a season that many audience members are calling “the best yet.” Together, they explore the difference between rehearsal and performance, the electricity of a live audience, and why music created “warts and all” in the moment is irreplaceable.The conversation also looks ahead:record-breaking season ticket growthnew and younger audiences finding Claflin Hillregeneration among volunteers, donors, and musiciansthe return of the Youth Orchestraand an exciting lineup of upcoming chamber and symphony concertsIt’s an honest, hopeful look at what it means to build something that lasts—and how a community helps it bloom.🌍 Listener love note: In our inaugural podcast season, Classical Gassing reached listeners in five different countries, and we’re grateful for a growing group of Top Fans who continue to share, comment, and support the podcast.Learn more about the orchestra and upcoming performances at www.claflinhill.org.