Brevard Symphony Orchestra Season Opens With Beethoven’s Ninth Oct. 24
By Space Coast Daily // October 23, 2015
AT THE KING CENTER
ABOVE VIDEO: Join the Movement – For more than 60 years, the Brevard Symphony Orchestra has brought quality performances, educational programs and outreach events to the community.
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Few musical experiences match the scope and power of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony.
Every performance of this symphony is an event and the Brevard Symphony Orchestra’s Oct. 24 performance marks just the second time in the Orchestra’s 62 year history that it has tackled this epic piece.
The BSO will also present the world premiere of Mark Piszczek’s “Songs from the Gulf of Sorrows,” a work dedicated to the wildlife victims of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill.
An orchestra of over 70 musicians will be led by BSO Music Director and Principal Conductor Christopher Confessore. Joining the BSO on stage will be theBrevard Community Chorus and the Eastern Florida State Concert Choir, both under the direction of Dr. Robert Lamb.
Guest soloists include Jennifer Aylmer – soprano, Rebecca Ringle – alto, Christian Reinert – tenor, and Matthew Trevino – bass.
Performance begins at 8 p.m. at the King Center for the Performing Arts in Melbourne. For tickets, call the King Center Box Office at 321-242-2219 or purchase online at BrevardSymphony.com
The BSO opens the performance with Mark Piszczek’s “Songs from the Gulf of Sorrows.” The work is both a musical eulogy and benediction for wildlife victims of The Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill disaster.
Modern, but intensely lyrical, it paints a moving portrait of hope in the face of unspeakable tragedy. A native of central Florida, Piszczek grew up on the Space Coast.
A professional performer on both oboe and saxophone, Piszczek has led his own groups and worked as a studio musician for over 25 years including performing with the Brevard Symphony Orchestra.
“Having grown up in Florida and spending untold hours on and in the water, I have a deep love for the oceans and the marine life it supports,” said Piszczek.
“Composing ‘Songs from the Gulf of Sorrows’ was deeply personal and a labor of love. I am thrilled to see this work finally come to fruition in the Brevard Symphony’s and Chris Confessore’s capable hands.”
The major work on the concert is Ludwig van Beethoven’s monumental Ninth Symphony – “Ode to Joy.”
Arguably the most iconic work in Western art, Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony is a colossal and towering masterpiece against which all subsequent symphonies have been measured.
Its unprecedented size, imposing grandeur of conception, and revolutionary choral finale both inspired and intimidated subsequent composers.
In conception as well as execution, the Beethoven Ninth is an innovative, revolutionary work which occupies a treasured place in the hearts and minds of classical music enthusiasts, inspiring experiences of joy and delight.
“This concert is a unique opportunity to hear music that’s never been heard before, along with music that has inspired millions of people over the past 191 years,” said Confessore.
“Both of these pieces share a message of hope and offer a wonderfully uplifting listening experience for our audience.”
For more than 60 years, the Brevard Symphony Orchestra has brought quality performances, educational programs and outreach events to the community.
The BSO is orchestra-in-residence at the King Center for the Performing Arts in Melbourne, Florida.
For more information, contact the Brevard Symphony Orchestra at 321-242-2024 or visit BrevardSymphony.com
