Symphonic Metamorphoses October 10, 2010

We are pleased to introduce two new artists to our audiences - classical guitarist Yuri Liberzon and composer Kate Moody. Liberzon will perform Rodrigo’s the Concierto de Aranjuez which was inspired by the gardens of the royal palace in Aranjuez, built by Philip II in the 16th century. Rodrigo described his music as capturing "the fragrance of magnolias, the singing of birds and the gushing of fountains" Kate Moody’s work “The Seeker” is composed in the New Age genre. Her recording of “The Seeker” won the “Best Instrumental Album” 2004 Just Plain Folks Music Award. Hindemith’s most popular orchestral work is his Symphonic Metamorphoses on themes of von Weber in which the simple themes are revealed in brilliant orchestral designs that are filled with color, rhythmic energy and excitement.

Welcome the Holidays! November 28, 2010

The Fratello Marionettes began entertaining audiences in 1989. The Performance Company has brought the ancient art of marionettes to people throughout the United States. The marionettes along with our dynamic duo-pianists, Eric Tran and Nathan Cheung will perform Saint Saens all-time favorite “The Carnival of the Animals”. We welcome the holidays with our opening “Christmas Overture” which sets the tone for the seasons festivities. Our program of holiday musical favorites will be highlighted by more escapades and tricks by the marionettes.

Flamenco! February 13, 2011

The fabulous Flamenco dance ensemble, Brisas de España return to our stage in a program of music to fuel the Spanish passions. Many composers have been inspired by the musical traditions of Spain to create works of great rhythmic flair and emotional intensity. The Capitol of the World Suite is a colorful ballet score based on Hemingway’s short story of the same name…a story set in Madrid about a young boy who aspired to become a bullfighter. DeFalla’s El Amor Brujo performed with pageantry of the flamenco dancers brings our program to a brilliant conclusion.

Many British composers have been inspired to portray the splendor of their countryside in symphonic works. Malcolm Arnold’s “A Sussex Overture depicts the beauty of the South of England, the sea and life in the famous coastal resort of Brighton. The Irish Rhapsody No. 1 by Charles Villiers Stanford is based on two contrasting Irish themes: the battle song "Leatherbags Donnell" presented with plenty of tympani and the wonderful melody "Emer's farewell" better known as "The Londonderry Air". Vaughan William’s Symphony No. 8 is a joyous work with a surprising freshness of invention and high spirits. The symphony of four movements includes a swirling Scherzo-march for winds only and a lovely Cavatina for strings. The thrilling final Toccata calls for a virtual gamelan of exotic percussion instruments. Featured on this program will be our winner of the 2011 Yen Liang Young Artist Competition for Cello.

Season Finale May 15, 2011

We will have the pleasure of enjoying the incredible virtuosity of violinist Linda Wang who makes a return visit for our Season Finale. Her soaring tone and tremendous musical energy always add up to an exciting performance. Our program opens with Koldaly’s brilliantly orchestrated suite of Hungarian dance tunes from the Galanta region—the land of Kodaly’s childhood. Brahms’ perfectly conceived final symphony stands as a monument to the composer’s ideals of classic formal architecture. The composer masterfully guides the listener on an emotional tour through the restless fatalistic atmosphere of the first movement into the reflective and serenely lyrical second movement. The lusty, ebullient 3rd movement is an episode of pure joy while the final movement--based on a simple chorale tune (“I long, O Lord for Thee”) explores 34 variations expressing how to satisfy that longing.