By: Suzanne Lio, Executive Director, Greenwich Symphony Orchestra
Greenwich Symphony Orchestra is gearing up for two performances on November 11 and 12, featuring acclaimed cellist Tommy Mesa as the soloist. The concerts will be held at 7:30pm on November 11, and at 3pm on November 12, in the Performing Arts Center at Greenwich High School. The orchestra, under the direction of Music Director Stuart Malina, is set to captivate audiences with a musical journey ranging from Wagner to Mozart, offering a diverse and immersive experience.
The program begins with Richard Wagner’s Siegfried Idyll, a charming and intimate composition that celebrates the love story between Wagner and his wife, Cosima. Originally scored for a small chamber ensemble, this piece was brought to life on Christmas morning in 1870 when Wagner assembled fifteen talented musicians on the staircase leading to their bedroom. This concert favorite, with its bucolic and pastoral themes, sets the stage for a memorable evening.
Stuart Malina shared his insights on the piece, saying, “It’s such a departure from the usual bombast of Wagner’s music. Here, he invites us into the most tender aspects of his world – his deep love for his wife, and the tenderness he feels for his son. It’s a remarkable and heart-warming piece of music.”
The program then takes a contemporary turn with Jessie Montgomery’s Divided, a piece for solo cello and orchestra. The composition is a response to the social and political unrest that has marked recent times. In this stirring piece, the cello takes center stage, crying out to be heard, while the orchestra provides a gritty accompaniment.
Following Divided, the orchestra will present Camille Saint-Saëns’ Cello Concerto No. 1. Written in 1873 and dedicated to cellist Auguste Tolbecque, this concerto is a gem of the cello repertoire. Known for its seamless blend of three movements, the concerto showcases the versatility and depth of the cello.
Tommy Mesa, the soloist for this performance, expressed his excitement, saying, “This is a unique opportunity for the audience to experience two very different pieces: one that has been loved for a century and a half alongside another that’s hot off the press by one of the most exciting composers of this generation. You’ll find that Jessie Montgomery and Saint-Saens wrote concertos that use the cello in the way that makes us fall in love with the instrument as a solo medium.”
The performance reaches its grand finale with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Symphony No. 41 (“Jupiter”). This symphony, considered by many as one of Mozart’s crowning achievements, showcases his genius through intricate compositions and melodies.
Stuart Malina, the Music Director, reflected on this remarkable work, saying, “The Jupiter Symphony is quite simply one of the greatest works of one of the greatest composers. It might well be the ultimate achievement in classical symphonic composition. Majestic, lyrical and exuberant, it is a work of art for all times.”
To purchase tickets and stay informed about upcoming events throughout the season, including performances on January 27th & 28th, February 17th & 18th, and very special audio/visual performance on April 13th & 14th, visit Greenwich Symphony Orchestra’s website at www.greenwichsymphony.org.
