I just love this time of the year. Orchestras all around the country are preparing to begin their seasons. We have another amazing season ahead for the SOST. It is hard to believe that this is my 10th season; to see the growth that the orchestra has made over that span and how the community continues to embrace our orchestra through their support.
So often we spend so much time playing music by European composers. Our opening features some of the greatest music by our very own American composers.
One of my musical idols growing up was Leonard Bernstein, not only as a conductor but also as a composer. We are performing music from his musical On the Town. We often think of West Side Story, but this music is so much fun and so very “New York City.” I love it!
We are premiering a piece by local composer and Lamar University faculty member, Dr. Nick Rissman. He wrote a beautiful piece entitled Cause of Action, and we will be presenting the very first performance. Lots of unique colors and textures. We love our warhorses, but it is nice to explore some new fresh innovative ideas.
Joining us on stage will be the Beaumont Civic Ballet collaborating with us on the George Gershwin classic An American in Paris. We are always looking for ways to work with other arts organizations in the community. And this work by Gershwin has not been played by the symphony here before. It is exciting to have the musical story to be told by not only the SOST, but by dance and movement.
This is a great way to kick off our 66th season of the Symphony of Southeast Texas.
