Our third Classics Series program is special treat where we will explore the music of some of our very own American composers. I have a great passion for the music of American composers and their influence on the European music scene. Oftentimes when we think of American music we think of jazz, but the interesting aspect of this program is that there is not jazz in any of the music that we are presenting.
Ryu Goto is a great violin soloist who will join us to captivate us with his beautiful rendition of the Bruch Violin Concerto. The other central piece on the concert will be the Symphony by Samuel Barber. The intensity of the piece reflects the growing turmoil in Europe at the time it was written in the mid-1930s. It transcends any particular historic time as a masterpiece of intense and beautiful musical expression. We also have music by a living American composer John Corigliano in presenting his Promenade Overture, a piece of many surprises. We have many wonderful jewels to discover for our Jan. 23 concert.
For the Pops concert on Feb. 20, we have a special guest coming to entertain the community and work with the SOST. Carl Topilow is the ultimate entertainer and musician. I was Carl’s assistant for two summers in Breckenridge, Colorado many years ago. I learned a great deal from him not only in the classical realm but also how to present a pops concert. Not only is he a great conductor, but he plays a mean clarinet also as you will hear.
This concert is filled with music from the swing era such as “Sing Sing Sing,” “Salute to Benny Goodman,” a Tommy Dorsey salute and much, much more. Come out and enjoy our trip down memory lane with “When Swing was King!”
