Pensacola Symphony Orchestra opens season with beautiful music of Mozart
Yanovskiy
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is by and large one of the most highly recognized, best loved classical composers, and Pensacola Symphony Music Director, Peter Rubardt knows it. As the Orchestra prepares for its second concert of the 2009/2010 season, set for 8 p.m. November 7 at the Saenger Theatre, they are gearing up for another showstopping evening.
"Other composers wrote music that is more complex, more dramatic, perhaps even more exciting;" explains Rubardt, "but for pure simple love, Mozart's music reigns supreme."
Rubardt knew opening night's broad sweeping repertoire which showcased brilliant guest artist, pianist Jon Nakamatsu, was going to be a tough act to follow. So, he chose a program which paired Felix Mendelssohn's violin concerto with Mozart's Symphony No. 39. Mendelssohn's concerto is an intricate work, providing a vehicle by which PSO's Leonid Yanovskiy, who is celebrating his 10th year as concertmaster, can demonstrate his exceptional talent.
But it's Mozart's Symphony that Rubardt loves best.
"There is something otherworldly about Mozart," says Rubardt. Mozart wrote three magnificent symphonies later in his lifetime, completing them within a period of just a couple of months. The first to be finished is the one Rubardt selected for this program.
"Symphony No. 39 has long been a personal favorite of mine. I particularly love the final movement, a dazzling tour de force for the violinists of the orchestra," enthuses Rubardt, "Mozart conjures up music of incredible kinetic energy, leaving both audience and performers breathless with delight," an experience he is sure PSO patrons will enjoy Nov. 7.
To add an extra element of intrigue, gifted American composer, Daniel Kellogg, will be on hand to offer the audience insights into his piece "Mozart's Hymn," which rounds out the evening's selections. Kellogg is touted as one of today's most talented composers and his appearance on the stage with the Pensacola Symphony promises to be engaging. It's not often an audience hears first-hand how the piece they are about to hear was constructed or how its coming to be was inspired.
Together, the three works promise another capacity crowd an exceptional experience. Tickets are on sale now through the Pensacola Symphony office, (850) 435- 2533, online at www.pensacolasymphony. com, or at the Saenger box office.
“All-Steinway School” Student Showcase The UWF Department of Music will present “An Evening of Liszt,” in the Center for Fine and Performing Arts Music Hall, Building 82. The event is free and open to the public; Seating is limited, reservations are recommended. Nov. 2 at 7:30 p.m. To make reservations, contact the CFPA Box Office at (850) 857- 6285 or (850) 474-2405, www.uwf.edu.
Chamber Music Concert The UWF Department of Music will present a Chamber Music Concert at Old Christ Church in Historic Pensacola Village. The event is free and open to the public. No tickets are required. Nov. 4 at noon. Call (850) 857-6285 or visit www.uwf.edu.
Jazz Band Combo and Fall Concert at UWF The UWF Jazz Band and Combo will present their Fall Concert Nov. 10 at 7:30 p.m. in the Center for Fine and Performing Arts Mainstage Theatre, Building 82. The event is free and open to the public; Seating is limited, reservations are recommended. To make reservations, contact the CFPA Box Office at (850) 857-6285 or (850) 474- 2405, or visit www.uwf.edu.
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day opens at PLT From the moment he wakes up with gum in his hair, things just do not go Alexander's way. Based on Judith Viorst’s popular children’s book, this delightful musical will provide a welcome antidote for anyone’s bad day. Showing at Pensacola Little Theatre from November 13-22, 2009. Friday and Saturday shows at 7:30 p.m., with Sunday Matinees at 2:30 p.m. For more information, contact PLT at 850-432-2042.
“The Sound of Music” The Tony Award-winning musical. Nov. 13-15, 19-22 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday 2:30 p.m. Sunday. PJC Ashmore Fine Arts Auditorium. $10; $8, seniors, children, non-PJC students; $6, Senior Club members, PJC staff/faculty/retirees; free, PJC students. (850) 484- 1847, www.pjc.edu.
Singer Elisabeth von Trapp Elisabeth is the granddaughter of the legendary Maria and Baron von Trapp, whose story inspired “The Sound of Music.” Singing professionally since childhood, Elisabeth has enthralled audiences from European cathedrals to Washington D.C.’s Kennedy Center. $10; $8, seniors, children, non- PJC students; $6, Senior Club members, PJC staff; free, PJC students. Nov. 18, 7:30 p.m. PJC Ashmore Fine Arts Auditorium. (850) 484- 1847, www.pjc.edu.
An Evening With Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood
A fully improvised evening of comedy and mayhem. Everything in the show is based on audience suggestions and many audience members are brought up on stage to be part of the craziness. The entire evening is completely improvised and never the same twice. Nov. 22, 7 p.m. Saenger Theater, 850-432-1450Guitarist Ana Vidovic As part of the UWF Music Hall Artist Series, the Department of Music will present a concert featuring Classical Guitarist Ana Vidovic Nov. 23 at 7:30 p.m. in the Center for Fine and Performing Arts Music Hall, Building 82. Tickets: $16 general public, $12 senior citizens and military, $10 UWF faculty and staff and non-UWF students and free for UWF students with a valid Nautilus Card.
Irving Berlin's ‘I Love A Piano’ at the Saenger On Friday, Nov. 27 at 7:30 p.m., see Irvin Berlin’s classic story of an enchanting new musical journey spanning seven decades of American history as seen through the perceptive and hopeful eyes of Irving Berlin. Timeless classics, such as "White Christmas," "God Bless America," "Puttin' on the Ritz," and "There's No Business Like Show Business," do more than define the music of a generation, they define the music of our country. For more information call 850-432-1450.













