October heralds the beginning of the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra 2009-10 Season of Great Classics with a performance at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 3, at Mariner’s Bethel Church in Ocean View.
Maestro Julien Benichou has invited guest soloist, violinist Gilles Apap to open the season. This program features music ranging from the classical period of Mozart to a broad, lush Brahms symphony from the romantic period.
Opening with “Violin Concerto #3 in G major, K. 216” by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the orchestra and the guest soloist, violinist Gilles Apap, spin a magical web sure to wrap the audience in its spell. Mozart wrote five violin concerti in 1775 at the age of 19. Of the five, three are still popular today and of these three, the G major is singled out by many listeners for the eloquence and poetry of its slow second movement.
Hailed as a true violinist of the 21st century by Yehudi Menuhin, Gilles Apap is widely known for his extraordinary ability to integrate a variety of musical genres. A classical violinist, Apap not only crosses musical boundaries, he unifies many threads with his distinct talent for incorporating styles as diverse as American bluegrass and Irish and Gypsy fiddling with the standards of the classical repertoire. The Mozart violin concerto is a signature piece for Apap.
The second piece also features Apap. “Tzigane,” which means “gypsy,” by Maurice Ravel, is a rhapsody, a free-flowing piece for violin and orchestra. This is a showpiece for the violin, employing the instrument’s entire register. The Gypsy flavor is immediately apparent as the orchestra and the violin complement each other in the airy and impressionistic style that is characteristically Ravel.
To conclude the concert the audience is treated to “Symphony No. 1” by Johannes Brahms. So seriously did Brahms take the writing of a symphony that he waited until he was 43 to compose his very first, and it took him 14 years to complete it. This is a big work, stretching the talents of the orchestra and conductor, from its tragic opening in the minor to the triumphant conclusion in the major.
Mariner’s Bethel Church is located on Route 26 and Central Avenue in Ocean View. There will be a pre-concert presentation at 7:30 p.m., where the composers and compositions are discussed in more detail. Season tickets holders have reserved seating. Tickets are $29.75 adult, $10 student and $5 for children under 12.
For tickets and information call 888-846-8600 or visit midatlanticsymphony.org. The season brochure and ticket order form can be downloaded.
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