THE MARCH CONCERT, VARIATIONS, DEDICATED TO DEVOTED COMMUNITY MEMBER AND AVID LSO SUPPORTER, IS CAPTIVATING AND IMPRESSIVE!
[Read more about this concert’s dedication to Major General Donald J. Harlin HERE.]
“Beautiful… Just, beautiful”
For many, the concert began with a very informative and fun mini-lecture on the evening’s music. Dr. Beth Everett, Associate Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities, gave a brief, surprisingly interactive, talk full of information about the four works slated to be performed. She mentioned things for which to listen and gave interesting tidbits that related to the composers and their time period. This insight greatly enriched the listening experience of the concert. If you’ve not previously attended one of these mini-lectures, you may not realize the added-value that comes with your ticket.
First on the program was the side-by-side performance mixing the LaGrange Symphony Orchestra with the LSYO (LaGrange Symphony Youth Orchestra). The LSYO is conducted by Celeste Myall. Dr. Prior recognized her and the fact that these students were very well prepared. The ambitious music of Sibelius: Finlandia was indeed performed beautifully. In this photo you can see the full stage.
The LSO makes great efforts to encourage, promote, teach, and give voice to young musicians in our community. This professional performance proved the success of the LSO efforts in musical education.
Second in the program was Vaughan Williams: Five Variants of ‘Dives and Lazarus’. This piece of music in an English pastoral style, was a personal favorite, and brought hearty applause. It was actually written specifically for the 1939 World’s Fair and was requested to be particularly English in spirit.
Third was Brahms: Variations on a Theme of Joseph Haydn. There were eight variations plus the finale. If you attended the lecture or read the program notes, you would know that Haydn did not actually write it. Copyright was not an issue in those days, and this piece was probably written by one of Haydn’s students. It was attributed to Haydn because he was well known and the piece would be better received with his name in the title. Regardless of the history, the music stands on its own merit.
The final piece was very recognizable even without the title – Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony. Perfect for this Variations concert and performed with strength and precision. Thunderous and continued applause followed.
This was a truly enjoyable concert from beginning to end.
“Wonderful”
“Enjoyed it immensely”
As always, thank you for supporting the arts in LaGrange, and especially the LaGrange Symphony Orchestra.
