Global Tour Concert includes Mexico

News October 14, 2023

Mexico is one of six stops on audible global tour

The October 24th, 2023 LaGrange Symphony Orchestra concert is indeed a world tour celebrating vibrant musical countries and their wonderful cultural identities. Performance begins at 7:30 PM, at Callaway Auditorium in LaGrange, GA. For tickets, call or email the box-office: 706-882-0662 or boxoffice@lagrangesymphony.org

Passports, Please!

This tour, guided by Music Director & Conductor, Richard Prior, includes The United States, Finland, Mexico, a few stops in France, with a final destination of London, England.

What is on the Program?

Aaron Copland: Hoe Down from Rodeo
Édouard Lalo: Norwegian Rhapsody (2)
Arturo Márquez: Danzón No. 2
Erik Satie: Gymnopedie 2 (orch. Debussy)
Jean Sibelius: Karelia Suite
Ralph Vaughan Williams: A London Symphony

This is a terrific line up, and a very full program. Mark your calendar for October 24th.

A little more about the stop in Mexico and Danzón No. 2

A “danzon” is actually a formal ballroom dance similar to the passionate tango. The danzon, which was popularized in Mexico, is generally considered to be Cuban but with possible African origins. The multi-cultural influences of the dance make this symphonic piece a perfect choice for this concert. This is a celebration of music that has captured the nuances of diverse cultures! If you are not familiar with Danzón No. 2 by Marquez, you are in for a real treat.

Before Arturo Márquez penned Danzón No. 2, he was already a musical treasure in his homeland of Mexico. Music was a big part of his family life with both his father and grandfather being musicians. Arturo was commissioned by the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) to write this piece. UNAM is the largest university in Latin America. The danzon dance was his inspiration and he channels so much of it through the music it may surprise you. Be warned! The captivating syncopation is incredibly hard to resist.

When you hear this LaGrange Symphony Orchestra performance, it will be obvious why Márquez’s popularity skyrocketed internationally after the 1994 premier of this work in Mexico City. Don’t miss it.

Familiar?

The LSO has performed Danzón No. 2 by Arturo Márquez only one other time. It was back in 2019 during the Sounds of Dance concert. Here is a link to the review of that concert. The following is a notable quote from that review:

This was wonderfully performed, beginning with clarinet as smooth as tempered chocolate underlined with a simple Latin rhythm, again relying heavily on percussion. The music modulates and becomes more energetic. Progressing through numerous tempo and flavor changes, its saucy brilliance was engaging, with more solos! The audience exploded with approval, this piece was dynamic, beautifully executed, and noticeably fun to perform.

Tickets

For tickets, call or email the box-office: 706-882-0662 or boxoffice@lagrangesymphony.org

2023 continues

The Passports, Please! global tour concert is filled with wonderful music from all over the world. After that, on December 12th, the LSO and LSYO will bring Jolly Jingles, a Family Holiday Celebration to the stage. Holidays are better with children involved, so anticipate a delightful diversion.

Thank you for supporting the LaGrange Symphony Orchestra!