Spokane Symphony checks out DNA of Beethoven's Second Symphony

Oct 8, 2008

For Immediate Release

Contact: Annie Matlow 326-3136

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SPOKANE—  Resident Conductor Morihiko Nakahara will lead the Spokane Symphony and audiences in an exploration of Beethoven’s Second Symphony, the first in the Casual Classics Anatomy of a Composer series, at the Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox on Friday, Oct. 17, at 8 pm.

This season, the Casual Classics will have a new twist, taking a creative look at three of classical music’s biggest stars. An Anatomy of a Composer – the Good, the Bad and the Jealous will give listeners the whole scoop on what was going on when some of the greatest music was written. In addition, the Art Deco Bistro will be inaugurated in the Founders Gallery of the Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox. A selection of Happy Hour appetizers and berverages, prepared by GloverMansion chefs, will be served from 6:30 p.m. to concert time. Those who subscribe to this exciting series will get a free t-shirt; those wearing the Anatomy of a Composer t-shirt will get $1 off their first glass of their favorite beverage!

Though there is a tendency to regard Beethoven's Third Symphony (Eroica) as his first groundbreaking, revolutionary work, his innovative and adventurous ideas are already evident in the Second Symphony, which will be the climax of this concert.  Through snapshots of his mentors and contemporaries, Nakahara will trace the musical DNA of this extraordinary work and composer. 

The concert begins with the finale of Beethoven’s Septet in Eb major, where we can hear the beginnings of the musical ideas Beethoven perfects in his Second Symphony. The concert continues with the introduction from Theme and Variations for Clarinet by Gioachino Rossini (1792-1868). The early 1800s saw the rise of instrumental virtuosos and this piece is the perfect showcase the abilities of the clarinet. The Spokane Symphony’s own clarinet virtuoso Chip Phillips will be the featured soloist for this showpiece.

Chip Phillips received his Bachelor of Music degree from the New England Conservatory of Music, where he studied with Thom Martin and Bill Wrzesien. He has performed as Principal Clarinet with the New Zealand Symphony, Alabama Symphony, and New Bedford Symphony Orchestra, and also teaches clarinet at GonzagaUniversity. Chip became Principal Clarinet of the Spokane Symphony Orchestra in 2000, the same year he joined the Oregon Coast Music Festival Orchestra as Principal Clarinet.

The symphony will also play short selections by two composers who influenced the young Beethoven: Luigi Cherubini (1760-1842), and Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809).  Cherubini, whom Beethoven regarded as his greatest contemporary, is best remembered for his operas and sacred music. The concert will perform a movement of his only Symphony. Haydn has been called the father of the symphony, and was one of the most prolific composers of the classical period. This concert will feature a selection from his Symphony No. 104, known as the London Symphony, which was first performed in London in 1795.

Tickets are $19, $21, $26, and $30. Subscriptions for the full Casual Classics series, which includes all three concerts and the free t-shirt, are $48, $54, $66 and $81.  Tickets and subscriptions are available in advance at the Spokane Symphony Ticket office, 1001 W. Sprague, or by calling 509-624-1200. Single tickets are also available at all TicketsWest outlets or by calling 1-800-325-SEAT, or at spokanesymphony.org.

This concert has been underwritten by Banner Bank and by Maloney + O’Neill Insurance.