04/26/2026
Deborah R. Silverstein, a member of the Artistic Staff of the Beaver Valley Choral Society, received the Purple Baton on Saturday, March 28, 2026, during the last concert of the organization's Lenten concert series at the Trophimus Center, Ambridge, PA.
In presenting the award to Mrs. Silverstein, BVCS Artistic Director and Principal Conductor Sharon R. Burchill stated, “We are pleased to present an official Takai Alsop Conducting Fellowship Purple Baton in grateful recognition of your outstanding work with the BVCS Orchestra, as well as the Treble Youth Chorale.”
“You are amazing female conductor who shares so generously of your time and talent,” Mrs. Burchill added. “You are a treasure and we applaud you.”
The Purple Baton celebrates women conductors in classical music, advocates for greater representation of women music directors and conductors, and broadcasts support for orchestras to invite more great women conductors onto their podium. American conductor Marin Alsop was the driving force behind the Purple Baton initiative, and invites recipients to share pictures of their awardees with her through social media. The picture below will be sent to Ms. Alsop to recognize Mrs. Silverstein as a new Purple Baton conductor.
A native of Batavia (NY), Mrs. Silverstein recently was lauded as a Musician of Note from her alma mater, Batavia High School, in recognition of her career as a professional musician. She earned degrees in Flute Performance from the New England Conservatory and Ithaca College. Her career in public school teaching in New York and Pennsylvania spans 12 years.
Locally, Mrs. Silverstein taught for 22 years at Rhema Christian School in Moon Township, as Band Director, General Music Instructor, and private music teacher. Additional past posts include lecturer in flute at Geneva College, Principal Flute for Pittsburgh Civic Orchestra, Founder and Director of the Beaver County Flute Choirs, and music ministry in several area churches. Mrs. Silverstein currently serves the BVCS in three distinct artistic areas: Orchestra Manager and Concert Master of the BVCS Orchestra, Conductor of the Orchestra, and Director of the Treble Youth Chorale, the organization's children's choir, now in its second decade.
Mrs. Silverstein resides with her husband, Lawrence, in Ambridge. They have three children.
Now in its 104th season, the Beaver Valley Choral Society continues its legacy as a Christian Faith-Based, non-denominational, inter-generational choral and orchestral arts organization presenting vibrant concerts throughout western Pennsylvania. The Beaver Valley Choral Society Adult Principal Choir, Chancel Choir, the Treble Youth Chorale, and the Jubilation Bells! Mary Inman Honors Hand Bell Choir comprise the Community of Ensembles dedicated to inspire, educate, and enrich their members and the audiences they reach. Each member strives for performances of the highest musical standards while focusing on the compelling spirituality of their musical repertoire.
For detailed information on membership in any of the choral or orchestral programs, contact Judi Contino, Membership Coordinator at 724-312-5778. For information on the chancel choir program, placing an ad in the BVCS seasonal program booklet, how to become a corporate sponsor, the scholarship programs, the benefactor program, or how to request an on-site church or other venue performance, please write with specifics to Beaver Valley Choral Society, PO Box 750, Rochester, PA 15074 or through [email protected] The Beaver Valley Choral Society is a 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit organization.
In the attached photos, Mrs. Silverstein, center, proudly holds her Purple Baton, with (left) Sharon R. Burchill, Artistic Director and Principal Conductor and Jim Angeloni (right), President of the BVCS.
Deb Silverstein conducts the BVCS Orchestra with her newly received Purple Baton.
