Sibelius/Ravel/Still – October 26th, 2024

The opening concert of the 2024 – 2025 Season features a wonderful work by Finnish composer Jean Sibelius.  His Symphony No. 1 (1899) is full of evocative melodies and a huge orchestra, including harp, and seems to paint in tones the countryside and feeling of Finland: stark fields of snow, deep, ancient forests, the northern lights.  Although this piece might be new to you, it is one of our favorite symphonies because of all the great brass writing and lovely tunes.  We’ll start this exciting concert with a work from American composer William Grant Still.  Peaceful, serene, and uplifting describe his Serenade (1957).  One more piece will round out this concert; this composition is from French composer Maurice Ravel.  It is a wild ride of a work that reimagines the waltz, but this one isn’t so refined and nearly loses its composure!  La valse (1920) makes use of the huge orchestra of Sibelius’ symphony but adds even more instruments; you won’t want to miss hearing how this all turns out!

Even with this excitement and thrill, we are promising a romantic evening!

The Fall concert is sponsored by: