Composed & Collected - October 29, 2024 - LaGrange Symphony Orchestra

News Review/Comments November 1, 2024

Beautifully Calm and Confident

The tranquil atmosphere for the LaGrange Symphony Orchestra (LSO) concert “COMPOSED & Collected” began outside with the beautiful grounds around Callaway Auditorium. The numerous majestic oaks, surrounding fall foliage colors, and occasional falling leaves are things that should be… and are appreciated. What an unhurried and beautiful welcome for the attendees of this concert. Even the temperature was near perfect without even a hint of rain. Here are a few pre-concert photos both outside while the light lasted, and then inside once it got dark.

The Concert

LSO Board President, Brandon Adams, welcomed everyone and introduced the LSO’s Emerald, Diamond, Platinum and Gold sponsors. After also recognizing several enthusiastic student groups in attendance, he opened the October concert of the LSO under the direction of Maestro Richard Prior, and the lights dimmed.

Dr. Sinisa Ciric

In the guest concertmaster position was Dr. Sinisa Ciric, who is a familiar face at Callaway Auditorium and was recognized by many concertgoers. Dr. Ciric has been guest concertmaster previously with the LSO and has a long history with Maestro Richard Prior as well as a long list of career credentials. Dr. Ciric currently serves as General Manager and Director of Artistic Operation for the Savannah Philharmonic. Warm welcomes to Dr. Ciric came through the LSO slideshow, Board President Brandon Adams, Maestro Richard Prior, and then from the audience!

Variations on a Theme

The first composer highlighted in this collection was Johannes Brahms. These variations were written by Brahms (1833-97) with the melody having been based on a theme of Haydn (1732-1809) (or perhaps one of Haydn’s students).

On this night, the beautiful St Anthony Variations flowed through the space. The melody began quietly and meditatively then moved toward the joyful adding layers and evolving through the entire piece. The LSO’s elegant depiction of these variations is commendable. Performed with a sense of confident calm, the energy and strength of the music was rounded and full. The ending, especially, was magnificent as it returned to the initial theme. The LSO audience was given a musical sense of fulfillment. Well-played, LSO and beautifully done!

LaGrange Symphony Orchestra — LSO performance of St Anthony Variations - Johannes Brahms

Horn Concerto No. 1 in E flat Major

The second composer in the program was Richard Strauss (1864-1949). Horn Concerto No. 1 in E flat Major featured Anne-Marie Cherry, horn. Dr. Cherry is principal horn with the LaGrange Symphony Orchestra and a versatile performer and educator enjoying a varied career as a soloist, chamber/orchestral musician, clinician, and recording artist.

This was an extraordinary performance. The Horn Concerto No. 1 in E flat Major, “is one of the most demanding solo works for the horn, using the highest and lowest notes in the instrument’s register, often in quick succession.” *from [ https://www.britannica.com/topic/Horn-Concerto-No-1-in-E-flat-Major] This piece is also new to the LSO repertoire, making it a first-time performance.

Starting boldly, this piece does not have a long orchestral introduction before the soloist begins. Dr. Cherry wasted no time in showcasing her talent and made this difficult piece seem effortless.

While beginning energetically, the music additionally travels through very expressive and delicate passages. The orchestra matched the transitions within the large dynamic range, resulting in a very balanced performance. It was a joy to experience and was an invigorating composition that resulted in a rousing standing ovation. The audience wanted Dr. Cherry and Maestro Prior to join the LSO musicians onstage for another bow. Here are a few photos.

Horn Concerto No. 1 in E flat Major - LSO

Symphony No 2 in B minor

After intermission, the LSO returned with Alexander Borodin’s Symphony No 2 in B minor. This piece is touted to be ONE of Borodin’s best compositions, if not THE best. It includes multiple solos that interact with each other in a fresh and unhurried way.

While the concert is titled “Composed & Collected”, we must add “Confident” into the mix. This beautiful symphony was played with determined precision by the LSO and captivated the audience. It was an invisible but tangible element that made this live performance memorable.

The LSO performed this piece way back in 1996 under the baton of Dr. Harry Kruger. It’s been a long time since hearing this symphony live. After this performance, it has become a new favorite.

Continuation

For some, this night was too good to end. Dr Cherry and a large group of her students, who came to support her, continued their outing at a local restaurant. Here is a photo of their group together with Dr. Anne-Marie Cherry, before they journeyed home.

Fall Youth Concert November 19th!

The LaGrange Symphony Youth Orchestra and String Ensemble will perform their Fall Concert on Tuesday, November 19th at 7:00 PM in Callaway Auditorium. Plan to attend!

NEXT LSO Concert is December 10, 2024 – “A Holiday Celebration”

The next LSO concert will be Tuesday, December 10th! It is titled A Holiday Celebration – “experience this glittering seasonal joy-ride!”. The program consists of Tchaikovsky: Nutcracker Suite No. 1; Leroy Anderson: Sleigh Ride, Bugler’s Holiday; Bill Holcombe: Twas the Night Before Christmas; Ballard: Suite from Polar Express -arranged by Alan Silvestri; Tom Kennedy: Traditional Carol Medley – AND MORE! Special guests include The Callaway High School Cavalier’s Chorus!

Thank you for supporting the arts in LaGrange, and especially for supporting the LaGrange Symphony Orchestra

Other concerts in this series:

If you would like to read a review of “AMERICAN FANFARE” which was the first concert in the 2024/2025 season, you can access it HERE. A short video sample from that concert can be found HERE.