special to The Star
September 23, 2007 01:52 am
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The Meridian Symphony Orchestra has a new home and to celebrate, Maestro Claire Fox Hillard has pulled out all the stops!
A concert with something for every one – and every age – is coming from the stage of the renovated Opera House in the MSU Riley Center on Saturday evening at 8:00 P.M.
In addition to a classical music potpourri, widely acclaimed violinist Tim Fain returns by popular demand to serve as guest artist for this initial concert. Fain mesmerized a Meridian audience with his rendition of the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto in 2006.
Excitement is certainly the buzz word for this Premiere season at the MSU Riley Center, as evidenced by the very first musical selection of Saturday’s concert. The Overture to the opera “William Tell”, specifically the flamboyant and rollicking finale, is a familiar favorite the world-over. Rossini’s composition is probably most famous for providing the theme music for the “Lone Ranger”, popularized in radio, movie and television productions.
There is certainly more to this music than this “cavalry charge” ending.
Leading up to the climax are a wistful, deliberate prelude, followed by a turbulent storm, and a pastoral “call to dairy cows”,also known as day break.
Listen closely and notice how the music fits each motif.
Max Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor, is one of the most popular violin concertos in the repertoire, and like his Scottish Fantasy for Violin and Harp ,this is a beautiful and memorable piece of music. To enhance the enchantment will be the technical skill and emotional touch of our guest, Tim Fain.
A concerto in three movements, the first is a prelude of sorts, the melody introduced by flutes, followed by the solo violinist- a slow march. The second movement is appreciated for its glorious, romantically beautiful passages. An exuberant theme highlights the finale.
Tim Fain, our brilliant young guest violinist, is a native Californian. He received a Bachelor’s Degree from the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, and a Master’s Degree from The Juilliard School. He has performed violin concertos with major orchestras about the globe. Recipient of an Avery Fisher Career Grant, Fain is a musician with a wide range of talents and interests. Thus, he is in demand as soloist, chamber musician, and in creative collaboration with other artists. It is indeed a pleasure to have him return to Meridian to perform with our Orchestra.
Following intermission, the outstanding MSO will be the center attraction as they play one of the most popular symphonic compositions ever written, Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4 in F minor. Known for his ravishingly beautiful romantic melodies, with systematic progressions to climax, this symphony is typical Tchaikovsky. The Symphony is presented in four movements, all with familiar “tunes.” There are lightning bolts, suggestions of fate, melancholy and regret in the first and second movements. The third movement showcases the strings playing pizzicato throughout. The finale is rapid-fire bursts of joy and festive celebration, interlaced with high drama and a breathtaking conclusion.
Superlatives abound for this entire event: The marvelous MSO with celebrated Music Director Claire Fox Hillard conducting; The renovated Opera House in the MSU Riley Center; Tim Fain, world –class violinist, as first guest artist; Incredible music selections for this premiere concert.
If you’ve never attended a live concert of symphonic classical music, this Saturday evening is a “Don’t Miss” opportunity. In fact, the entire season is an open window for exposure to the greatest of the classics.
The MSO provides four concerts in the season package. The Orchestra also offers two free Children’s Concerts for all 4th graders of the county, and a free Patriotic Pops Concert at Bonita Lakes on the Fourth of July. A special musical program for children, “Peter vs. the Wolf”, is to be presented at the MSU Riley Center in the spring of 2008.
On Saturday evening, the traditional Pre-Concert Lecture begins in the grand lobby at 7:00 P.M. Dr.Hillard presides and Tim Fain is featured in this informative period of discussion and audience interaction.
Season tickets and individual performance tickets can be purchased at the MSU Riley Center Box Office, 601-696-2200. They will also be available on Saturday evening, one hour prior to the concert.
Want to go?
What: Meridian Symphony Orchestra
(Premiere Concert of 2007-2008 Season)
Rossini: Overture from “William Tell”
Bruch: Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor, Op. 26
Tim Fain, Violin
Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 4 in F minor, Op. 36
Where: MSU Riley Center
When: 8:00 P.M. Saturday, September 29
Tickets: MSU Riley Center Box Office
Season and Individual Tickets available
(601) 696-2200
$30 adult “A” seating, $25 adult “B” seating, $10 student ticket
* Pre-Concert Lecture at 7:00 P.M.
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