Loudoun Symphony Notes |
|
|---|---|
| May 2009 | Issue 10 |
|
Mark Your Calendar! Your Loudoun Symphony Orchestra's final concert of the 2008-2009 season: Saturday, May 16th at 8 p.m., Stone Bridge High School, Ashburn, VA Sunday, May 17th at 3 p.m., Dominion High School, Sterling, VA Ludwig van Beethoven: Symphony #4 in B flat major, Op. 60 Jean Sibelius: "En Saga", Op. 9 Plus the two remarkable winners of the Levine School of Music's Cogen Competition performing: Mozart: Concerto No. 9 in E-flat Major, K. 271, first movement Cogen Competition winner Alex Biniaz-Harris, piano Mendelssohn: Concerto in E Minor, Op. 64, first movement Cogen Competition winner Fedor Ouspensky, violin A memorable and inspiring musical performance! More details? Buy tickets? We're at www.loudounsymphony.org (Don O'Brien) The Cogen Competition The two winners of the Cogen Competition at the Washington based Levine School of Music will perform works of great stature and beauty for us. It will be truly inspiring to hear these works performed brilliantly by such youthful performers. The Levine School of Music, one of the nation’s largest nonprofit community music schools, offers music education to students of every age, ability and background. Since its founding in 1976, the Levine School has become one of the few community music schools accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music, and is the only all-Steinway community music school in the world. Levine is also certified by the National Guild of Community Schools of Arts as exemplifying the highest standards of excellence and access in community arts education. Don't miss this "first" for your Loudoun Symphony Orchestra, a chance to witness an extraordinarily memorable moment. And, if there are young people in your life, bring them with you (anyone age 18 and under is admitted free) -- these two young performers might just inspire them in unexpected ways. (Don O'Brien) As you might guess... 
"En Saga" in Swedish (Sibelius's mother's native language) simply means "a saga"
-- a story of ancient heroes and their gallant deeds.
No surprise, for, through most of his life, Jean Sibelius (1865-1957)
used his music to help define Finland's national character and
mythology -- its saga. One fine example is his "Finlandia," written in
1899 and later revised including the addition of chorus. It
is one of the most important national songs of Sibelius's native country,
beloved by the Finnish people. (The official
anthem "Maamme," is probably performed less often than "Finlandia"!).
Written when Sibelius was 27 years old, "En Saga" is a tone poem, typically a work written as a single movement with a story tied to the music. In this case, though, according to Jean himself: "'En saga' is the expression of a state of mind. I had undergone a number of painful experiences at the time and in no other work have I revealed myself so completely. It is for this reason that I find all literary explanations quite alien." Indeed, to this day, no one is sure of the exact inspiration for the work, nor why there is such sublime beauty within it, considering the composer's "painful" reference. It stands as eighteen minutes of grandeur, and requires no further explanation. The listener is free to invent his or her own story! Later critics commented favorably on the body of Jean's work-- symphonies, other tone poems, Masonic ritual music, suites of many kinds, and more. But not everyone was enthralled. In 1938, the critic Theodor Adorno, speaking about the many musical works Sibelius wrote, said: "If Sibelius is good, this invalidates the standards of musical quality that have persisted from Bach to Schoenberg." Ah well, no matter that he was wrong, is it? I invite you to become your own critic at our May concerts and see (hear) for yourself. I can almost guarantee that you will have a much different reaction. (Don O'Brien) For more on Jean Sibelius, visit: http://www.sibelius.fi/english/index.htm Is It Possible??! Is it possible to write music that moves your heart and your emotions while changing everyone's idea of what music can be? Can it be done as you lose your hearing? Yes--or at least one man did all of that. Ludwig van Beethoven. Beethoven's Symphony #4, which we will perform at our May 16th and 17th concerts, was written in 1806, during the composer's so-called middle period. Beethoven was raised in the Classical Period of Mozart, Boccherini and Haydn (from whom Beethoven took lessons). His earlier works echoed those composers' use of rhythmic structures and instruments that, to our ears at least, can sound somewhat delicate and, well, formal. Beethoven began to change all of that with his Third Symphony, introducing larger orchestras, dramatic instrumentation, and soaring brass and percussive passages that were both new and startling. But with his Fourth, some critics of the time said that Beethoven seemed to return to the quieter, less passionate music of his earlier days. I think you might disagree if you are familiar with the work. Take the first movement as one example. Beginning quietly, distantly, the music evokes a bit of mystery. We seem to be waiting for something, and it is not long in coming. For emerging from these tender and peaceful moments comes the energetic "allegro vivace" section that presents the spirit and surprise that Beethoven's later works always seem to hold. Is it not the essence of all great music to rally the mind and provide food for thought? If so, Beethoven's 4th is a choice example. Written as his deafness continued to frustrate him (and those who knew him, too), it is a sublime effort of construction and beauty that always challenges. Note: don't let the fourth movement relax you too much. This finale, as writer Stefan Kunze says, "is a rumbustious dance, playful and inventive...with an easy elegance and vivacious wit." And it often yanks audiences to their feet with broad grins and wild applause. You, too? (Don O'Brien) ---------------*--------------- Please note that the Loudoun Symphony Orchestra has no connection, financial or otherwise, with any of the Web sites or other outside resources mentioned in this Newsletter. They are suggested only to help you discover additional information. ---------------*--------------- View Previous Issues of "Notes" Issue 1, March 2008 Issue 2, April 2008 Issue 3, May 2008 Issue 4, Summer 2008 Issue 5, Fall 2008 Issue 6, Winter 2008 Issue 7, Family Concert 2009 Issue 8, March 2009 Issue 9, April 2009 |
Special Reminder!! Here's an important reminder which appeared first in our most recent edition. We reprint it here so you won't miss this grand opportunity -- music, food, countryside, fine wines...all you need is a ticket. Read on.... SAVE June 14, a Sunday afternoon beginning at 4, for our Annual Gala, entitled "Celebrate the Symphony." We'll be together at the Briar Patch Inn Bed & Breakfast in Middleburg. Now it could be that "gala" is an understatement here, for this is to be a splendid celebration in every way. Examples: guests will enjoy a gracious evening in a beautiful setting featuring food, wine, and music performed by musicians of the Loudoun Symphony. Moreover you'll be with other folks who love music, enjoy good conversation and fine food...all in a setting of charm and relaxation. We'll start in the Fox Den foyer with a special guest cocktail reception with delicious hors d’oeuvres, delightful flute and harp music, and a Silent Auction featuring art, jewelry, travel, and an array of other interesting and unique items. Guests will move deeper into the Briar Patch's Fox Den for an informal supper and dessert while enjoying the music of the Symphony, under the direction of Maestro Mark Allen McCoy. The evening will highlight a special performance by the winner of the “Loudoun’s Got Talent: Youth Edition”. Individual tickets for the Gala are $75, $25 of which is tax- deductible! Join us as we bring our 2008-2009 Season to a close in the best possible way. Cameras are encouraged! Visit www.loudounsymphony.org, or call 703-771-8287, for tickets...while this paper (and time) is at hand. Meet the Musician An Educated–and Educating–Leader "I became interested in youth groups when I conducted several high school string ensembles at the Kennedy Center. We only had four rehearsals to put together a newly-composed piece, but we pulled it off to great reviews. It was wonderful to see how well kids can play when committed." Thus began the teaching career of the newest member of the Loudoun Symphony conducting cadre, Dr. Yeong Su Kim. Dr. Kim took over the Youth Symphony and String Workshop in fall 2008, prior to which he spent six months leading youth groups at the Kennedy Center. Dr. Kim can't get education–or music--out of his blood. After taking piano lessons for a few years as a young child, and playing recorders in school, he began playing oboe in seventh grade, when his mother, who loves the instrument, bought a used oboe (and private lessons) for his birthday. He was accepted into an arts high school in South Korea and after one year, got a scholarship to the select Idyllwild Arts Academy in California. The school challenged both Dr. Kim's musical and English abilities, but he persevered and enjoyed mastering the difficult repertoire. Once a week, the music students would be bussed three hours each way from their school in a small town in the mountains to USC for private lessons. So it was natural that Dr. Kim would get his bachelor's degree in music (oboe) from USC. While participating in the American Youth Symphony Orchestra and Debut Orchestra, Dr. Kim had the opportunity of a lifetime to play a concert with Zubin Mehta conducting and violinist Midori playing a concerto. On another occasion, Mstislav Rostropovich played a cello concerto with Dr. Kim's group. After USC, Dr. Kim received his Master's in oboe from Yale. Liking variety in weather (as in music), Dr. Kim moved to the University of Maryland, where he subsequently was awarded his PhD in Musical Arts (oboe). It was during this time at UM that he began to want to experience more in music, finding the repertoire for the oboe somewhat limiting. He became the choir director at a local church and then began to take private conducting lessons. This led to several years at Catholic University, from which he received his Master's in conducting in December 2007. Dr. Kim believes that his years spent studying oboe gave him the maturity to be a better conductor, as the years of studying music history and theory allowed him to better understand the musical scores. After 11 years in college being educated, Dr. Kim finds himself now drawn to educating others. His short-term goal is to continue inspiring the Loudoun Symphony Youth Orchestra and String Workshop to ever higher artistic accomplishments. Longer-term, he would like to find a full-time faculty job at a university, where he can share his teaching and performing gifts with others. For his Loudoun groups, Dr. Kim likes to design a program around a theme while ensuring that half the program is educational and half fun for the performers. He is particularly partial to the music of Beethoven and Brahms: Beethoven for excitement captured in a classical form, and Brahms for the lushness and beauty of his works. 
Music is also very important to Dr. Kim's private life. He met his wife,
Yeonjee, also a professional oboist, at UM; both were at the reed table
working on their reeds. (For those not familiar with the oboe, most players
make their own reeds, a lengthy process involving soaking the cane, shaving
it into the right shape, assembling the two opposing reeds and then
repeating all these steps ad nauseum until just right.) His two-year-old
daughter Olivia is already immersed in music, preferring DVDs of orchestral
performances to Disney and happily banging on the piano or playing recorder
for hours on end. What little free time Dr. Kim has is spent with his family;
former hobbies like golf have taken back seat to his wife and daughter.
We are very excited to have Dr. Kim sharing his musical vision with our organization. Please come early to the May 16 Loudoun Symphony concert to hear the String Workshop performing; their concert is free with admission to the LSO concert and starts at 7:30. We think you'll agree that Dr. Kim is a wonderful educator and a great leader for both groups! (Vicki Rundquist) Don't Forget--A Free Bonus! At every Saturday performance, two special events start an hour before the evening's regular program--both included with your ticket. If you're seated at 7, you're in. Look: 1. Much appreciated by informed regulars at Symphony concerts is a newsy discussion of the music about to be performed on stage, starting at 7pm. For our May concert, Amy Carol Parks, Dean of the Levine School of Music, will host the chat, during which you'll discover background about composers, insights about performers and their historic moments on stage--and, it has to be said, tales of the unexpected that illuminate the lives of those who play an instrument. (These are not always what you'd expect!) 2. After this, the Loudoun Symphony String Workshop will perform selections under the direction of Dr. Yeong Su Kim. The Workshop is a student ensemble where musicians of all ages and ability are joined by more experienced members of the Loudoun Symphony Orchestra itself. It's both interesting and fascinating to see these enthusiastic performers gain experience as they share their love of music with a genuine audience. Recommended. Join us for this relaxing and informative hour. (Don O'Brien) ---------------*--------------- Be instrumental! Forward a copy of this Newsletter to friends and family. To subscribe, simply send an email to news@loudounsym.org with the word subscribe in the subject line. Loudoun Symphony Notes, copyright 2009. All rights reserved. |