Spokane Symphony plays Romantic Music Old and New

Feb 20, 2008

For Immediate Release

Contact: Annie Matlow 326-3136

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Spokane Symphony, conducted by Morihiko Nakahara, embarks on an exploration of Romanticism in music through three generations of composers on Saturday, March 1 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, March 2 at 3 p.m. in the Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox. Flutist Christina Jennings performs for the first time with the Symphony.

The evening begins with the Overture to The School of Scandal by Samuel Barber, a gifted composer and student of the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. The piece is a musical response to an English comedy of manners by Richard Brinsley Sheridan that Barber used for his graduation thesis and won Columbia University's Bearns Prize for musical composition. The opening theme of violins captures the high spirits of Sheridan's play, while the second theme sung by oboe is pastoral and reserved.

Christopher Rouse is a Pulitzer Prize-winning composer that is sought after by today's leading virtuosos, including Yo-Yo Ma and the New York Philharmonic. The Concerto for Flute and Orchestra displays the serious and playful sides of Rouse's art. The first and last movements are simple melodic elaborations for solo flute over strings that hint at Irish inspiration. The tempo quickens to reflect an Irish jig in the second and fourth movements. However, the central movement protests against human cruelty and is dedicated to the memory of a brutally murdered boy.

Christina Jennings is a premier flutist, commanding a wide range of literature featuring works from Bach to Zwilich. She was first flutist in fifteen years to with the Concert Artists Guild International Competition. Jennings has performed with top orchestras throughout the world and collaborated with various artists in concerti and on CDs. She commands a rich tone and a natural sense of phrasing that is highly acclaimed. In addition to her extensive repertoire, she is Principal Flute with the River Oaks Chamber Orchestra in Houston and has various musical projects with other disciplines. She is featured on numerous CDs and recently released a Jennings-Johnson Duo CD that is highly acclaimed. This is her first appearance with the Spokane Symphony.

Antonin Dvorak wrote Symphony No. 7 in D minor, Opus 70 to make a big noise in the world, and today many consider it to be the greatest piece he ever wrote. Dvorak was discovered by Brahms who helped promote his musical career. The symphony was inspired by Brahms' Third Symphony, but portrays a more tragic work of dark defiance. The Czech composer flaunted his heritage in the symphony's tone and style, from a dark harmonious first theme to a second sorrowful and passionate protest, ending with a wild dance transforming from dark opposition to the voice of triumph.

Tickets are $19, $29, $37, and $41. Tickets are available in advance at the Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox Box Office, 1001 W. Sprague, or by calling 509-624-1200. Tickets are also available at all TicketsWest outlets or by calling 1-800-325-SEAT, or on line at www.spokanesymphony.org.

CALENDAR LISTING:
Romantic Exploration; Morihiko Nakahara conducts the Spokane Symphony; Christina Jennings, flute; March 1 at 8 p.m. and March 2 at 3 p.m. in the Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox. Tickets are $19 to $41; Call the Spokane Symphony Ticket Office at (509) 624-1200; tickets are also available through all TicketsWest outlets or by calling 325-SEAT or 1-800-325-SEAT.