The Erie Philharmonic will appear in concert at the historic Struthers Library Theatre at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 11. The walls will resonate with music as the Erie Philharmonic presents Vivaldi's Four Seasons and Golijov's Last Round. In addition, guest artist Jennifer Frautschi, violinist will be featured during the R. Schumann Symphony No. 3 "Rhenish."
Osvaldo Golijov has emerged as one of this century's leading composers, fusing Bach-like invention with a compositional flair for the raw, uninhibited passions of Latin American music and dance. Last Round draws on the tango, with the strings of the orchestra divided into dueling dance bands.
Each of Vivaldi's Four Seasons is beloved for its immediate appeal. Based on sonnets about the extremes of the seasons of the year, this collection of four miniature violin concertos is famous for its unbridled energy. We complete our evening with the spirited Symphony No. 3 by German romantic composer, Robert Schumann. Taking his cue from Beethoven's 'Pastorale' Symphony, Schumann creates a symphonic homage to the lush, rolling landscape of Germany's Rhineland, complete with the flowing current of the river and sumptuous tones emerging from the Cologne Cathedral.
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Erie Philharmonic Music
Director Daniel Meyer
In its 99th season, the Erie Philharmonic is one of the oldest orchestras in the country and is nationally recognized as one of the top regional orchestras of its size. The mission of the Erie Philharmonic is to strengthen the community and region by providing high quality live orchestra concerts and programs that enrich, entertain, and educate people of all ages.
Each year the Philharmonic presents five Symphonic concerts and five Pops concerts in the historic Warner Theatre in downtown Erie. In addition, regional outreach programs include annual concerts in Edinboro, Meadville and Warren, a free concert on the Erie's beautiful bayfront, and a series of free lunch hour ensemble performances during the summer. Nearly 34,000 patrons were in attendance at these concerts last season during which time subscription sales increased 11 percent and single ticket sale revenue increased 20 percent making the 2011-2012 the most financially successful year in the organization's history.
Daniel Meyer, Music Director of the Erie Philharmonic and the Asheville Symphony, has reinvigorated both orchestras with innovative programs and a dedication to create and sustain enthusiastic audiences for classical music. In his continuing commitment to the cultural life of Erie, Meyer has developed new Young People's programs for thousands of area schoolchildren, appears as a regular guest on WQLN radio, and frequently presents to local schools and civic clubs.
As a guest conductor, Meyer debuts with the Phoenix and Alabama symphonies this season, leads the Pittsburgh Ballet in Balanchine's Serenade, and makes a return to the Pittsburgh Symphony in December. Recent engagements also include the Grand Teton Music Festival and the Rochester Philharmonic, the Knoxville and Hilton Head Symphony orchestras, and the Westmoreland Symphony, where he serves as Artistic Director.
Featured Artist, Jennifer Frautschi's 2011-12 highlights include the world premiere of James Stephenson's Violin Concerto, a piece written for her, with the Minnesota Orchestra and Osmo V-nsk-; the Barber Concerto with the orchestra of the Teatro di San Carlo Opera House in Naples, James Conlon conducting; and the premiere of Les Bijoux, a violin concerto by Richard Aldag, with the Napa Valley Symphony. As chamber musician she will appear with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and Boston Chamber Music Society and at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and perform on all-gut strings with period instruments at DaCamera of Houston and the Helicon Foundation in New York. She performs on a 1722 Antonio Stradivarius violin known as the "ex-Cadiz," on generous loan to her from a private American foundation.
Take time this season to treat yourself to a truly beautiful afternoon. Tickets are available at the theater office; call 723-7231 or purchase online at www.strutherslibrarytheatre.com. Call ahead to reserve handicapped seating and assisted listening devices.