OREGON SYMPHONY IN SALEM KICKS OF 2011-2012 SEASON

 

The Oregon Symphony in Salem kicks off its 2011-2012 season on Friday, November 18 at 8pm when German cellist Alban Gerhardt will join Maestro Carlos Kalmar and the Oregon Symphony Orchestra for an evening of big music. 

Gerhardt, who has an affinity for Oregon and recently performed in the Bach Festival, will be performing a lesser known work of Sergei Prokofiev, the Symphony-Concerto.  Premiered in 1952, this work is a revised version of his cello concerto originally composed in 1933.  Originally thought to be a “soul-less” piece of music, it received new life after a 1947 performance that reawakened the composer’s interest in the cello.  Gerhardt, known throughout the world for his musical interpretation and ability to make the cello sing, is sure to rise to the challenge of this monumental piece.

The orchestra will respond to this performance with one of the best known works of classical literature, Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9, “From the New World.”  Composed during a visit to the United States, Dvorak was fascinated with the music of both Native American and African American melodies and celebrated these themes in this composition. 

The orchestra will also perform Phaethon by contemporary American composer Christopher Rouse.  This work is largely influenced by Greek mythology tells the story of Phaethon, the son of the sun god, Helios.

Prior to the concert, join fellow symphony goers at Marco Polo Restaurant for Meet Me for Dinner.  Reservations for this dinner should be made by contacting the restaurant directly at (503) 364-4833.  Be sure to mention the Oregon Symphony in Salem when making your reservation.  Dinner begins at 5pm.

Symphony goers may also enjoy Take Ten prior to the concert.  This fun yet informative lecture will begin at 7pm in Cone Chapel of Waller Hall on the Willamette University Campus.  Maestro Kalmar will share insights into the evening’s performance.  There is no charge to attend this lecture.

During intermission, concert goers will have the opportunity to meet and welcome Willamette University President Steve Thorsett.  This meet and greet will take place in the gallery located in the lobby of Smith Auditorium.  This concert is generously sponsored by Willamette University. 

Tickets for this concert range in price from $35-$48 and may be purchased online at AbsolutelyTix.com or in person by visiting the ticket outlet located at the Travel Salem Travel Café at 181 High St NE in downtown Salem.  Tickets will be available in the box office at Smith Auditorium the night of the concert beginning at 6:30pm.  Students with valid student ID may purchase tickets at the box office the night of the concert for $5. 

Parking is available after 5pm in the permit lots at Willamette University.  Parking in the lot located on the corner of Bellevue and Winter Streets is reserved for patrons with special needs.  For information on special needs parking, please contact the Oregon Symphony in Salem Office at (503) 364-0149.