WSO Will Open 70th Seasons With 'Young Love Turned Tragic'
WSO Will Open 70th Seasons With âYoung Love Turned Tragicâ
WATERBURY â Waterbury Symphony Orchestra (WSO) will perform the first concert of its 70th season on Saturday, September 29, at the Naugatuck Valley Community College Fine Arts Center. The concert begins at 8 pm, with a preconcert discussion lead by Maestro Leif Bjaland beginning at 7:15 in the concert hall.
The concert will feature the music of Leonard Bernstein, Prokofiev, and local cellist Mihai Marica performing Tchaikovskyâs Variations on a rococo theme.
Entitled âYoung Love Turned Tragic,â the program features two pieces of music that portray the famous story of Romeo and Juliet. The concert will begin with a modern version of this story, with a performance of Leonard Bernsteinâs famous piece, Symphonic Dances. Featuring the music of West Side Story, this music tells the modern tale of two young lovers whoâs lives are cut short.
During the second half of the concert, WSO will step back in time to the original story of Romeo and Juliet. Maestro Bjaland has created a compilation of music from Serge Prokofievâs first two Romeo and Juliet Suites. The highlights include music depicting the favorite characters from the story, including Frair Laurence, Tybalt, the Montagues and the Capulets. The movement depicting the famous balcony scene from the story will be performed as well.
In order to create a great opening to the season, WSO will also feature one of its own cellists, Mihai Marica, performing the elegant, relaxing piece Variations on a rococo theme.
Mr Marica has been performing with the WSO for the past several years, and has received acclaim around the world for his masterful performance on the cello with the winning of numerous competitions and awards. Most recently Mr Marica was the 2006 First Prize winner of the Luis Sigall International Competition, held in Chile.
The Tchaikovsky piece will showcase his virtuosity and grace on the cello.
Tickets for the concert range form $15 to $40 for adults, $5 for students, and can be purchased by calling 203-574-4283 or by visiting the orchestraâs website at WaterburySymphony.org.