Symphony orchestra opens Season 101 with international violinist
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The Minot Symphony Orchestra opens Season 101: American Road Trip with the presentation of “An American Landscape” on Saturday, Sept. 26, at 7 p.m. in Minot State University's Ann Nicole Nelson Hall.
The season opener explores the American landscape through music and film scores, beginning with John Williams' “Cowboy Overture,” originally composed as part of the score for “The Cowboys.” This spirited work captures the rugged energy and sweeping spirit of the American West. The journey continues with Aaron Copland's “The Red Pony Film Suite,” Copland's music for the 1949 film based on John Steinbeck's story of a young boy, his family and life on a California ranch. This live orchestral performance features music only; the films themselves will not be shown.
The evening concludes with Tchaikovsky's “Violin Concerto,” performed by internationally acclaimed violinist Nai-Yuan Hu. A winner of the 1985 Queen Elisabeth Competition, Hu has performed in renowned venues, including the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, David Geffen Hall in New York and Suntory Hall in Tokyo. His recordings have earned a Gramophone Critics' Choice, and he has performed with artists including legendary pianist Martha Argerich.
"After celebrating 100 years of music in our community, we're excited to begin our next century with a season that takes you on an adventure," said Ellen Fenner, symphony executive director. "Every concert is a chance to step away from the everyday hustle, relax and let the music take you on a journey. Season 101 gives you six opportunities to escape, discover something new and share an unforgettable experience. From the wide-open Wild West and music from across America to the sea, holiday traditions, and another spectacular live film experience, Season 101 has something for everyone. Wherever the music takes you, we hope you'll come along for the ride."
Season 101 continues the journey with five more stops:
- “Voices of the New World” on Nov. 14, at 7 p.m.; Explore music from across the Americas, including an original composition by MSO Music Director Efraín Amaya, pianist Dianna Anderson, Aaron Copland's “Lincoln Portrait,” Dvorak's beloved “Symphony No. 9 From the New World” and “Holiday Magic” on Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 12 at 3 p.m.. The festive holiday celebration features area choirs.
- “Link Up: The Orchestra Sings” on Feb. 6 at 3 p.m. will be an engaging family concert featuring Carnegie Hall's Link Up program, inviting the audience to become part of the orchestra experience.
- The journey heads to the water with “Tales of the Sea” on March 20 at 7 p.m., featuring Amaya's “Soledad y el Mar,” the winner of the MSU Honors Competition and Rimsky-Korsakov's thrilling “Scheherazade.”
- Season 101 concludes with “Movie Night” on May 2 at 3 p.m. and May 4 at 7 p.m. as the orchestra performs a film score live while the movie plays on the big screen - a full cinematic experience powered by a live orchestra. The film title will be announced soon.
Single and multi-ticket packages are available on the symphony’s website or through the box office at 858-4228. Film concert tickets will be available after the title is announced but are currently available in a three- or six-ticket package. Advanced tickets are encouraged.
The orchestra is a unique blend of student, community and professional musicians from the Minot area. Maestro Amaya is an associate professor of Performing Arts at MSU.