As autumn makes its way to New England, the Wellesley Symphony Orchestra (WSO) prepares to launch the first concert of its 78th season with a program designed to enchant listeners of all ages.
Titled “Magical Tales,” the opening performance takes place on Sunday, September 27, at 2pm, at MassBay Community College. The afternoon promises an immersive musical journey, featuring soloists Emmanuel Feldman, cello and Pascal Delache Feldman, bass.
The program opens with “Merlin”, a mysterious, magical piece by Italian composer Elisabett Brusa. Merlin, the legendary prophet, magician and spell maker, has wielded his literary magic through the centuries. Brusa uses colorful swathes of music, complex rhythms and a piercing continuous beat to depict the supernatural Merlin in this enchanting composition.
Following the opener, the Feldman/Delache-Feldman duo will perform one of the few solo pieces for double bass in the repertoire, Giovanni Bottesini’s “Gran Duo Concertante” for violin and double bass. Emmanuel Feldman will play the intricate violin part on his cello. The orchestra dedicates this piece in memory of Jan Schwaner, a long-time cellist in the WSO, member of the board, and a dear friend to many, who died suddenly on July 22nd.
After intermission, the orchestra turns to the legendary folklore of The Arabian Nights through the brilliant music of Rimsky-Korsako’s “Scheherazade”. Rimsky-Korsakov, the Russian composer well-known for his brilliant orchestration, uses music to tell the story of the Sultan and his newlywed wife, Scheherazade. The beautiful and captivating music played by WSO’s wonderful concertmaster, Ainur Tulendiyeva, represents Scheherazade and her many tales.
The concert takes place at MassBay Community College, 50 Oakland Street, Wellesley, where there is plenty of free parking. Tickets are available on a “pay-what-you-can” system; the WSO suggests $30. They may be purchased online at www.wellesleysymphony.org or at the door.
There will be a reception for all after the concert—please join conductor Mark Latham and orchestra musicians for some cookies and cider.
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