Program Notes

October 1, 8:00 p.m. & October 2, 3:00 p.m.
Up close and personal in Ruby Diamond Concert Hall
PLUS, meet the Cirque performers after the event in the lobby!

Imagine the magic of some of the best cirque artists in the world performing on the same stage with a full symphony orchestra. This lavish spectacle of sight and sound is the experience of Cirque de la Symphonie. The combination of these two art forms creates a magical performance that is much greater than the sum of its parts.

Within the intimate confines of Ruby Diamond Concert Hall, audience members will be thrilled to watch aerialists and acrobats up close and personal while enjoying classical masterpieces such as Berlioz's Roman Carnival Overture, Bizet's "Toreador" from Carmen, and Rimsky-Korsakov's Scheherazade.  This dazzling show has been drawing packed houses across the country and is a celebratory way to kick of the 2011-12 Season!

October 22, 2011, 8:00PM
Ruby Diamond Concert Hall

Wagner         Prelude to Act III from Lohengrin
Wagner         Prelude and Liebestod from Tristan und Isolde
                           Shirley Close, soprano
Beethoven     Symphony No. 9, “Choral"
                           Shirley Close, soprano; Phyllis Pancella, mezzo-soprano;
                           Stanford Olsen, tenor; Jeffrey Snider, baritone

German musical titans Wagner and Beethoven are paired in this monumental program. In Wagner’s tragic and hauntingly beautiful “love death,” the heroine Isolde sings a farewell to her beloved Tristan before joining him in the hereafter. Highly acclaimed soprano Shirley Close will lend her rich and arresting voice to this performance.
 

Ms. Close will join two other Tallahassee greats - tenor Stanford Olsen and mezzo soprano Phyllis Pancella - along with baritone Jeffrey Snider in a performance of Beethoven’s towering Symphony No. 9, the “Choral.” This iconic work, performed worldwide not only on concert stages but also at historically significant events such as the fall of the Berlin Wall, represents the apotheosis of symphonic achievement and the transcendent euphoria of brotherly love.
 

December 10, 2011, 8:00 p.m.
Ruby Diamond Concert Hall
Feauring Sal Vivano, baritone and the Florida A&M University Concert Choir

A perennial favorite, the TSO’s Holiday Magic! show is the perfect way to usher in the holiday season. Mix timeless classics and sentimental favorites with a little humor, sophistication, and elegance, and you’ve got a wonderful evening of music that is sure to lift your spirits.

Joining us on stage this season is Broadway star Sal Viviano, whose credits include starring roles on and off Broadway, and notable appearances on both television and the big screen. Mr. Viviano has sung with over 120 orchestras around the world and is a consummate entertainer.

Also joining us will be the award-winning Florida A&M University Concert Choir, Mark Butler, Director. A special treat involving the TSO, Mr. Viviano, and the Concert Choir will crown the evening’s musical festivities. Consider giving pairs of tickets as gifts to family or friends - this sleigh-full of joy is not to be missed!

February 14, 2012, 8:00 p.m.
Thomasville, GA Cultural Center
Featuring the TSO Chamber Players

Join us at the Thomasville Cultural Center at 8:00 p.m. on Valentine’s Day for a unique concert of chamber music, presented by the TSO Chamber Players sans conductor. This special collaboration will showcase the high level of artistry of TSO musicians. At once an intimate conversation among the players and a gesture of mutual trust and admiration, the conductorless format empowers the individual musicians in a way that translates into an exciting experience for the audience. We are delighted to offer this wonderful treat on the holiday of romantic love and devotion. Music is the food of love, after all!

March 17, 2012, 8:00 p.m.
Ruby Diamond Concert Hall

Harty  ‘Fair Day’ from An Irish Symphony
Bruch Scottish Fantasy
                 Rachel Barton Pine, violin
Brahms Symphony No. 1

Join us on St. Patrick’s Day to hear violinist Rachel Barton Pine perform Bruch’s famous homage to Scottish folk song. Homage of a different sort will follow with Brahms’ Symphony No. 1, referred to by conductor Hans van Bulow (Brahms’ contemporary) as “Beethoven’s Tenth.” Though initially somewhat intimidated by Beethoven’s achievement, Brahms, of course, ultimately lived up to the public’s expectation that he would continue “Beethoven’s inheritance.”  This symphonic masterpiece demonstrates both a commanding, original voice and honors his predecessor’s legacy.

April 28, 2012, 8:00 p.m.
Ruby Diamond Concert Hall

Dvořák Carnival Overture
Shostakovich - Cello Concerto No. 1
                             Matthew Allen, cello
Stravinsky – Petrushka

Our season finale begins with a magical carnival and ends with the surreal tale of Petrushka, the puppet who comes to life. Dvořák’s Carnival Overture is the perfect foil to Stravinsky’s gripping ballet score, where worlds of fantasy and reality merge in portraying the “immortal and unhappy hero” Petrushka.   Written for the iconic Ballet Russes (and led by impresario Sergei Diaghilev), the title role was originally performed by the legendary dancer Vaslav Nijinsky.  

These two works flank the powerful Cello Concerto No. 1, composed by master musical puppeteer Dmitri Shostakovich.  Originally composed and dedicated to the famous Russian cellist Mstislav Rostropovich, the piece is widely considered to be one the most difficult works for cello. The TSO is proud to present Tallahassee native Matthew Allen as soloist, who in 2009 at the tender age of 17 captured first prize in the Cassado International Violoncello Competition. One of the youngest contenders, he triumphed over 56 other cellists from around the world.  

©  2010 Ruth Ruggles Akers

Dr. Akers has a Master of Music degree in Piano Performance from Indiana University and a Ph.D. in Historical Musicology from Florida State University.