What if you could make music without ever touching an instrument? Or sit in a concert hall where the music seems to come from everywhere all at once? The Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra will explore “The Question of Sound,” a Nov. 7 concert that challenges audiences to think differently about music and how we experience it.
The evening opens with Charles Ives’ “The Unanswered Question,” transforming the concert hall into a kind of musical theater.
“The whole string orchestra represents the cosmos and the universe,” Music Director and Conductor Steven Karidoyanes explained, describing the sustained, celestial chords that establish the work’s atmosphere. “In the back of the hall, our principal trumpet is going to be sounding a question,” he added.
Woodwinds respond, but never fully provide an answer. The exchange continues until the trumpet poses its question one final time.
“It’s a real theatrical piece,” Karidoyanes said, describing how the audience becomes enveloped in the musical inquiry.
For Karidoyanes, one of the evening’s most intriguing attractions is the theremin, an electronic instrument played entirely through hand movements in an electromagnetic field.
“Really anybody can make a sound,” Karidoyanes said during an interview. “But not everybody can make music.”
Thereminist Caroline Scruggs will perform composer Linda Kernohan’s Concerto for Theremin, taking the instrument beyond its familiar associations with eerie science-fiction soundtracks.
The concerto has a personal dimension. Originally written as a shorter composition in 2008, Kernohan expanded it into a three-movement work, collaborating with Scruggs and incorporating melodies the thereminist composed into the second and third movements.
“This is really a collaborative work between the soloist and the composer,” Karidoyanes said.
Playing the instrument requires extraordinary precision. “It is very difficult to play a precise pitch,” Karidoyanes explained. “These pitches have to be precise, but you’re literally plucking them out of thin air.”
Scruggs will demonstrate the instrument before performing, an introduction Karidoyanes particularly wanted Plymouth audiences to experience.
“I’ve never been in close proximity to a theremin before,” he said. “So, we’re all going to have the same experience together.”
The program also includes “To Be Determined,” a previously unperformed movement by the late composer Stephen Paulus, and Haydn’s Symphony No. 104, The London Symphony.
With the bustle of Halloween over and the holiday season approaching, perhaps we could all use a fresh perspective on something we experience every day but rarely stop to think about: sound.
“The Question of Sound” takes place Saturday, Nov. 7, at 7:30 p.m. at Plymouth South High School Performing Arts Center, 490 Long Pond Road. A free pre-concert talk begins at 6:30 p.m. For information or tickets, go here.
Monday, Nov. 2
“The Only Living Pickpocket in New York” continues at Plimoth Cinema at Plimoth Patuxet Museums, 137 Warren Ave., with screenings at 4:30 and 7 p.m. John Turturro stars as Harry Lehman, an aging pickpocket whose livelihood is disappearing in an increasingly cashless city. When he steals a valuable USB drive, he finds himself pursued by a dangerous crime family while struggling to care for his disabled wife. The R-rated film runs 1 hour, 28 minutes, and continues through Nov. 5. For tickets, showtimes and information go here.
“A Talent for Murder” continues at Plimoth Cinema, 137 Warren Ave., at 4:30 and 7 p.m. Helen Mirren stars as acclaimed mystery writer Patricia Highsmith in this suspenseful drama about a mysterious young publishing representative (Alden Ehrenreich) who travels from New York to Switzerland to persuade the reclusive author to write one final installment in her celebrated Ripley series. The R-rated film runs 1 hour, 46 minutes. For tickets or information go here.
Tuesday, Nov. 3
“Seaside Trail StoryWalk” – Families looking for a little outdoor adventure can head to Nelson Memorial Park, 235 Water St., where a children’s story unfolds along the waterfront trail. This month’s featured book is “Fritz: A Mushroom Story” by Kelsey Garrity-Riley, a tale inviting young readers to discover the wonders of nature. Presented by the Plymouth Public Library in partnership with Sustainable Plymouth, Plymouth Open Space and the town’s Department of Energy and Environment, the self-guided StoryWalk is free, open to all ages and available anytime from Nov. 3–29. For information go here.
There’s plenty to discover about staying active at the “Age Local Expo,” taking place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Center for Active Living, 44 Nook Road. Hosted by Commissioner of Health and Human Services Michelle Bratti and CAL Director Cheryl Jones, the free community fair brings together local businesses and organizations offering services and resources for residents of all ages. Visitors can explore interactive demonstrations, meet community partners and learn about opportunities to stay engaged. The CAL Café will be open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., although regular classes and programs will not be held that day. For information go here.
For young readers who can’t get enough of Mo Willems’ beloved characters, the “Elephant and Piggie Celebration” at Plymouth Public Library, 132 South St., promises an afternoon of fun from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Children can enjoy stories, crafts and activities inspired by Gerald the elephant and his best friend Piggie, whose adventures have delighted generations of beginning readers. The program is free, and registration is requested but not required. For information go here.
Wednesday, Nov. 4
Foodies can sample their way through “Taste of the Town,” returning from 6 to 9 p.m. at Plimoth Patuxet Museums, 137 Warren Ave. The Plymouth Public Library Foundation’s longest-running fundraiser brings together restaurants and beverage purveyors for an evening of food, wine and community spirit, all in support of library programs and services. Participating restaurants include East Bay Grille, Woods Seafood, Rye Tavern, The Artisan Pig, Alden Park, Mamma Mia’s, Cork + Table, Turmeric House, Plimoth General Store and many more. Pioppi’s Liquor is the beverage sponsor, with additional support from Tech Etch, Bright Bridge, Newfield House, Plymouth Pediatrics, Marty’s GMC, Plymouth Orthodontics and the Mass Cultural Council. For information go here.
How did Plymouth’s Patriots and Loyalists use the town’s Pilgrim history to defend opposing political beliefs? Historian Patrick Browne, executive director of the Plymouth Antiquarian Society, explores that question in “Patriots, Loyalists, and Revolutionary Plymouth,” from 7 to 8 p.m. at Plimoth Patuxet Museums, 137 Warren Ave. Part of the museum’s Revolutionary Plymouth lecture series, the presentation examines how both sides invoked Plymouth Rock, Forefathers’ Day and the Mayflower generation to advance competing ideas about liberty and American identity. The program is offered both in person and online. For tickets go here.
Plymouth Public Library, 132 South St., is hosting a free 60-minute program of storytelling and live music to share Kim Moberg’s original suite “The Seven Fires Prophecy Suite for Humanity” at 7 p.m. The ancient yet relevant Anishinaabe legend “The Seven Fires Prophecy” teaches that in order for human beings to survive, we must learn to live together with respect for all people of all colors and cultures and with our environment. The program consists of a 10-minute talk by Moberg, an 8-minute video by Erin Stagg, the Canadian Indigenous artist whose painting Moberg used for the album art, and a 30-minute concert by Moberg and fiddler/violinist Heather Swanson. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Plymouth Cultural Council. For information go here.
Thursday, Nov. 5
Blues fans won’t want to miss “The Fabulous Thunderbirds with Kim Wilson,” coming to the Spire Center for Performing Arts, 25 1/2 Court St., at 8 p.m. Wilson, the legendary harmonica player and vocalist, brings the band’s “A Tribute to Chicago Blues” tour to town, celebrating the musicians and music that shaped his early career. Expect a mix of familiar blues classics and lesser-known gems. Doors open at 7 p.m. For tickets go here.
Friday, Nov. 6
“You Can See Everything” opens at Plimoth Cinema, 137 Warren Ave. The new documentary, directed by Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim, takes viewers inside the world of disgraced Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes in the weeks before she begins serving her federal prison sentence for fraud. With extraordinary access to Holmes, her partner Billy Evans and their family, the filmmakers explore deception, manipulation and the slippery nature of truth. Released by A24, the film has earned widespread critical praise. For information go here.
Big-band jazz gets a funky makeover when the BT ALC Big Band takes the stage at the Spire Center for Performing Arts, 25 1/2 Court St., at 8 p.m. Led by trombonist Brian Thomas and trumpeter Alex Lee-Clark, the Boston-based ensemble combines the traditional sound of a large jazz orchestra with funk, soul, hip-hop, Afrobeat and reggae. Since forming in 2011, the group has developed a distinctive style it calls “Big Band Funk,” featuring energetic arrangements, accomplished soloists and plenty of rhythm. Doors open at 7 p.m. For tickets go here.
Saturday, Nov. 7
Plymouth Center for the Arts, 11 North St., is offering “One Day Art Workshops” from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The workshops include opportunities to explore intuitive mark-making, natural-light portraiture, and color and light. The sessions offer artists a chance to develop their skills, experiment with new approaches and spend time with others who share their creative interests. Registration is required by Nov. 4. For information go here.
Plymouth’s Revolutionary history comes into focus during “The Old Colony Club and Revolutionary Plymouth,” a free walking tour of Burial Hill, 19 Town Square, at 1 p.m. Led by historian Stephen O’Neill, the tour explores the Old Colony Club and its connections to the town during the American Revolution. Presented by the Plymouth Antiquarian Society and Pilgrim Hall Museum, the program is part of the 2026 Burial Hill series, “Independency and the People of Plymouth.” Participants meet at the top of Burial Hill. For information go here.
“Women at Sea: True Tales of Whaling Wives in New England” explores the experiences of more than 400 women who accompanied their husbands on whaling voyages during the 19th century. The free presentation takes place from 1 to 2 p.m. at Plymouth Public Library, 132 South St., and offers a look at a little-known chapter of New England’s maritime history. For information go here.
Two centuries of history are being celebrated at Second Church of Plymouth, 518 State Road, with “200 Years of History and Music.” The weekend begins Saturday with an “Afternoon of 200 Years of Music” from 4:30 to 6 p.m., followed by light refreshments. The congregation, established in 1738, is marking the 200th anniversary of its historic meetinghouse and celebrating its recent restoration. Proceeds support the church’s mission and outreach programs. For information or buffet reservations go here or call 508-224-7220.
A special tribute to America’s military veterans, first responders and Gold Star families comes to Plymouth Memorial Hall, 83 Court St., with the “Salute to Service Celebration 2026.” Presented by the Medic Now Foundation, the evening features the unveiling of America’s Torch of Service, a sculpture created by artist Jeff Buccacio, whose work includes the Tom Brady statue. The celebration also includes a theatrical production honoring America’s tradition of service and the presentation of the Carmine A. Casciano Salute to Service Award. The event begins outdoors at 4:45 p.m. with the “Rev of Remembrance,” a procession honoring Gold Star families. Doors open at 6:45 p.m., with the main program beginning at 7:15 p.m. Tickets are $39. Veterans receive 25% off. For information go here.
For a taste of life in 17th-century New England, “New England Harvest Feast” offers an evening of historic food, music and storytelling at Plimoth Patuxet Museums, 137 Warren Ave., from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Guests share a family-style meal inspired by early New England recipes while costumed performers bring the period to life. The menu includes roasted turkey, mussels, pork, fish, seasonal vegetables and traditional desserts. Admission to the museum’s historic sites for two days is included. For tickets go here.
The Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra explores that unusual electronic instrument the theremin and much more in “The Question of Sound,” at 7:30 p.m. at Plymouth South High School Performing Arts Center, 490 Long Pond Road. Caroline Scruggs is the featured theremin soloist. A free pre-concert talk for ticket holders begins at 6:30 p.m. For more information see the lead story. For tickets go here.
For those who remember the heyday of Boston rock, “The Fools – 50th Anniversary Show” brings the legendary New England band to the Spire Center for Performing Arts, 25 1/2 Court St., at 8 p.m. Known for mixing high-energy rock with an irreverent sense of humor, The Fools have spent five decades entertaining audiences with songs including “Life Sucks…Then You Die,” “Psycho Chicken” and “It’s a Night for Beautiful Girls.” The band is celebrating its anniversary with a new album, “More of Everything,” and a documentary chronicling its history is in production. Doors open at 7 p.m. For tickets go here.
Sunday, Nov. 8
The Second Church of Plymouth, 518 State Road, continues its “200th Anniversary Celebration” with a special day of remembrance and celebration. A 10 a.m. worship service will be followed by an anniversary program from 3 to 6:30 p.m., featuring historical presentations by current and former pastors and congregants. A catered buffet at the John Alden Sportsman Club will follow. All are welcome. For information or reservations go here.
For craft beer lovers and fans of live roots music, “IndieFerm Brewing Presents Sunday Funday with The Shady Roosters,” offers an easygoing afternoon at the Spire Center for Performing Arts, 25 1/2 Court St., from 2 to 5 p.m. The South Shore band blends rockabilly, blues, roots music and old-school country in a relaxed, family-friendly lobby setting with room for dancing. IndieFerm beers and other beverages will be available for purchase. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. For information go here.
Julia Marie Davis can be reached at julia@plymouthindependent.org.