CORVALLIS, Ore. – The Corvallis-OSU Symphony Orchestra presents its season opening concert “Bernstein 100” at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 18, celebrating works of composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein for what would be his 100th birthday this year.
The concert, conducted by Marlan Carlson, will be held in the Austin Auditorium at The LaSells Stewart Center, 875 SW 26th Street, Corvallis.
Arthur Honegger’s “Pacific 231” (1923), which evokes a steam locomotive gathering speed and racing down the tracks, opens the program.
Violinist Jessica Lambert, concertmaster of the orchestra since 2007, will serve as soloist for Bernstein’s “Serenade (after Plato’s Symposium).” The 1954 composition is based on Bernstein’s interpretation of Plato’s dialogue “The Symposium.” Each of the five movements draws its focus from characters in the dialogue: I. Phaedrus; Pausanias; II. Aristophanes; III. Eryximachus; IV. Agathon; and V. Socrates.
Lambert is artistic director of the Oregon State University Chamber Music Workshop and maintains a private studio in Corvallis. Her previous professional engagements include the Oregon Symphony Orchestra, the El Paso Symphony and the El Paso Pro Musica.
Carl Nielsen’s Fifth Symphony, Op. 50 (1922) comprises the entire second half of the program. The inclusion of Nielsen’s work celebrates Bernstein’s conducting legacy and influence on modern concert programming.
The Corvallis-OSU Symphony will continue its exploration of Bernstein’s legacy throughout the 2018-19 season. On Nov. 30, the orchestra will be joined by the OSU Chamber Choir for a performance of Bernstein’s “Chichester Psalms.” In February, Carlson will lead the ensemble in a performance of Igor Stravinsky’s “Rite of Spring.” In May, the orchestra will perform Gustav Mahler’s ninth and final symphony. The Stravinsky and Mahler works were at the core of Bernstein’s conducting repertoire.
Tickets for the Nov. 18 show are $22, $27 and $32. Tickets are available online at www.cosusymphony.org. Up to three kindergarten- through eighth-grade students, accompanied by a ticketed adult, and all high school and college students with ID, may be given free general admission tickets at the door starting one hour prior to the concert, subject to availability.
Corvallis Arts For All discounts apply with valid SNAP card, available one hour prior to performance at the LaSells Stewart Center. For accommodations relating to a disability please call 541-286-5580, preferably one week in advance.
College of Liberal Arts
About the OSU College of Liberal Arts: The College of Liberal Arts encompasses seven distinct schools, as well as several interdisciplinary initiatives, that focus on humanities, social sciences, and fine and performing arts. Curriculum developed by the college’s nationally and internationally-renowned faculty prepares students to approach the complex problems of the world ethically and thoughtfully, contributing to a student's academic foundation and helping to build real-world skills for a 21st century career and a purposeful life.
Zachary C. Person, 541-737-4671, [email protected]