Do you enjoy classic melodies written by some of the world's most famous composers, such as Georges Bizet, Giocomo Puccini, and George Gershwin? Then our next concert is a must-hear! Our music director, Jacob Scherr, has programmed an afternoon of beautiful music featuring some of the world's most memorable tunes from stage and screen. You'll hear:
* Carmen Fantasy, by Georges Bizet, (arr. Eiji Suzuki) -- Known for his ability to take listeners on an emotional rollercoaster, Bizet delivers aural hills and thrills with this, one of his most beloved compositions. Close your eyes and envision the fiery and wily Carmen, seductively dancing around the naïve soldier, Don Jose.
* Allerseelen, by Richard Strauss, (trans. Albert Oliver Davis; ed. Frederick Fennell) -- Translated as "All Soul's Day," this sonorous tone poem was composed in 1885 when Strauss was just 21. Its powerful brass passages exhibit intense romanticism and the clear influence of Strauss' fellow composer and friend, Richard Wagner.
* Selections from "Chicago," by John Kander and Fred Ebb, (arr. Ted Ricketts) -- Music from this academy award-winning movie harkens back to the early jazz age and raucous lifestyle of gangster-era Chicago. This well-scored arrangement opens with a bluesy trumpet solo and, in turn, features all sections of the band as it breezes its way through the hits from the show: "And All That Jazz," "Cell Block Tango," "Roxie," and "They Both Reached for the Gun."
* Interlude to an Unfinished Opera, by Yasuhide Ito -- This mature, dramatic three-part piece quotes many melodies from Ito's prior band works, including "Evocation" and "Sinfonia." Beautifully scored to evoke excitement and lyricism, Ito's composition drives to a dramatic climax and reflects his admiration of Richard Strauss.
* O Mio Babbino Caro from "Gianni Schicchi," by Giacomo Puccini, (arr. Kondo) -- Set in Florence in 1299, "Gianni Schicchi" is one of three, one-act operas penned by Puccini, each with contrasting themes. Enjoy this wind band arrangement of one of the most popular arias in opera.
* Porgy and Bess, by George Gershwin, (arr. James Barnes) -- First performed on Broadway in 1935, this popular folk opera was not a smash hit during its initial run. However, it was revived in 1942, five years after Gershwin's death, and had the longest run of any revival in Broadway musical history. Listen for "Summertime," "I Got Plenty O' Nuttin'," "It Ain't Necessarily So," "Crab Man," and "Bess, You Is My Woman."
Mark your calendar for this final concert of the season! You're sure to go home with a smile on your face and a song in your heart. So be sure to buy tickets in advance, or go to our website to reserve your comfortable seat in the Redmond Performing Arts Center.
