Photo Credit: Richard Blinkoff
Concert Presents Magnificent Music by Mendelssohn, Auber, and Prokofiev
Featuring Violin Virtuoso Laura Hamilton
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Internationally acclaimed violinist Laura Hamilton will be featured with the Ridgewood Symphony Orchestra on Friday, February 21 at 8:00 p.m., at the West Side Presbyterian Church in Ridgewood. The program presents three important works, known for their connection to a revolution: Mendelssohn’s majestic Symphony No. 5, Auber’s spirited La Muette de Portici Overture, and Prokofiev’s expressive Violin Concerto No. 1.
The Violin Concerto No.1, Op.19 by Sergei Prokofiev has long been a favorite of audiences and a delight for performers. Completed in the summer of 1917 amid the turmoil of the Russian Revolution, it has been described as “music in technicolor” portraying lush, lyrical romanticism. The violin dominates the piece, but it is masterfully integrated into the orchestral texture by guest soloist Laura Hamilton. As Principal Associate Concertmaster of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Ms. Hamilton led many of the popular “Live in HD” videocasts, including Carmen, Parsifal, and Madama Butterfly. Reviews of her solo performances with the Sydney Opera House and Chicago Symphony and in festivals around the world have praised her ardent sound as “radiant,” “stunning” and “eloquent.” She and her husband, cellist Lanny Paykin, live in Bergen County, NJ.
The orchestra is also delighted to present the majestic splendor of Felix Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 5 in D major/D minor, Op. 107, known as the Reformation. Originally subtitled “Symphony to Celebrate the Church Revolution,” this stirring, richly textured symphony is one of Mendelssohn’s most frequently performed scores. A reflective opening sets a serious, dignified tone as it leads to the first quiet statement of the Dresden Amen, a recurring theme. The two central movements are lighthearted with crisp rhythms and eloquent pastoral melodies. Bringing the symphony to a triumphant conclusion, the fourth movement culminates in a powerful version of Martin Luther’s hymn “A Mighty Fortress is Our God” played by the entire orchestra.
Rounding out the program is the overture of Daniel Auber’s La Muette de Portici opera, which debuted in the same time period as Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 5. It is the earliest French grand opera and is known for its role in the Belgian Revolution of 1830. The riots that led to the independence and founding of the Kingdom of Belgium started after hearing the opera. The work rapidly became known all over the world and revolutionized established traditions through the novelty of the subject and striking originality of the music. Presenting a march-like tune as its main theme, the overture’s spirited development unfolds, bringing it to a rousing conclusion.
The Ridgewood Symphony Orchestra (RSO) is proud to perform its second concert under the baton of Artistic Director and Conductor Brent Chancellor. He is the Founding Music Director of LUX, an orchestra initiative dedicated to connecting young people to symphonic music, Conductor of the Rutgers University Sinfonia and Helix! New Music Ensemble, and Music Director of the Rockland Symphony Orchestra. He also serves as a Cover Conductor with the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, Assistant Conductor with the New Jersey Festival Orchestra and Conductor with International Vocal Arts Institute.
Now in its 80th season, the Ridgewood Symphony Orchestra offers programming unmatched for an entertaining and relaxing cultural experience. True to its slogan “Great Music Close to Home,” RSO presents exceptional, professional-level music and provides a platform for developing local and international talent under the direction of world-class artistic leadership. It is committed to enriching the lives of future musical performers and listeners through educational outreach programs, scholarships, Festival Strings Youth Orchestra, composer competitions and special treatment for patrons from senior living communities. All performances are held at the majestic, state-of-the-art concert hall of the West Side Presbyterian Church, located at 6 Monroe Street in Ridgewood. It is an accessible facility with ample parking.
Subscriptions and advance tickets for the Ridgewood Symphony Orchestra can be purchased by visiting the RSO website: https://www.ridgewoodsymphony.org or by calling the RSO office at 201-612-0118. Tickets are also available at the door.
