The West Virginia University Symphony Orchestra (WVUSO) continues its 2015-2016 season with a performance featuring one of the 20th century’s most electrifying works. The ensemble’s concert is set for Thursday, Nov. 19.
As with the other concerts presented by WVU’s premiere ensembles, the concert will be free for WVU students.
“It was a thrill for us on stage to see so many WVU students in the hall for our first concert,” said Mitchell Arnold, WVU’s director of orchestral activities and an associate professor in the School of Music. “As much as our students love to perform, it is even more rewarding to see so many of their peers in the hall.”
The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Lyell B. Clay Concert Theatre under the baton of Maestro Arnold.
One of the highlights evening will be the WVUSO’s performance of music from Igor Stravinsky’s ballet “The Firebird.”
“The dark, ominous opening, its sensuous beauty and rapturous moments will thrill listeners,” said Arnold. “Stravinsky’s music broke new ground, and its magic still echoes today.”
Chinese-born composer Bright Sheng’s “Tibetan Swing” continues WVUSO’s season-long exploration of works inspired by the music of Asia. “This is music that captures the colorful pageantry of Tibetan folk dance. It is amazing to hear sounds of such colorful brilliance,” said Arnold.
Completing the program is one of the most popular and electrifying works in orchestral music, “Capriccio Espagnol” by Russian composer Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov. “This set of Spanish dances and songs let us know why few things are more thrilling than an orchestra in the hands of a master composer. The music shimmers and shines with a fluorescent animation.”
For concert tickets and information, call the WVU Box Office at (304) 293-SHOW. Admission is free to WVU students presenting a valid ID to any usher.
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CONTACT: David Welsh, WVU College of Creative Arts
304-293-3397; David.Welsh@mail.wvu.edu
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