The program showcases three Romantic pieces: Wagner’s Tannhäuser Overture, Guilmant’s Symphony No. 1 for Organ and Orchestra and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4.
The concert opens with Tannhäuser Overture, followed by charismatic, Felix Hell who created a sensation here several years ago, and returns to play a lesser known piece on his Touring Organ: Guilmant’s marvelous work for organ and orchestra with its joyous lyricism and virtuosic intensity. A native of Germany, he is one of the most sought after concert organists in the world and, like Guilmant, is an avid supporter of music for the instrument. His concert with the MSO is part of his project, “Music Across America”, which brings the grandeur and majesty of the “King of the Instruments” to spaces without pipe organs.
Felix Hell studied at Juilliard School in New York, Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia (BM) and Peabody Institute in Baltimore (AD, MM, DMA). In 2007, he received Johns Hopkins University’s prestigious Outstanding Graduate Award. With a discography of ten recordings, he is known for his marathon performances of the complete organ works of Bach, which he has presented worldwide.
To complete the evening, Maestro Benichou has chosen Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4 in F Minor, the highlight of all his symphonies due to the way it continuously builds and spotlights the strengths of each musical section of the orchestra. “All of the musical statements are layers piling up, gaining strength for the last moment of the symphony that is nothing short of brilliant,” states Mary Zerbe.
You can hear this concert, September 29, 2016, 7:30 PM , Easton Church of God, 1009 N. Washington Street. Tickets: Adult $38, retirement home patrons $25, under 18 admitted free with reservations. For additional information, visit midatlanticsymphony.org or call: 1-888-846-8600. Tickets also available at Crackerjacks Toy Store for check or cash.
Other performances: Friday, September 30, 7:30 PM Grace United Methodist Church, 5407 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD; Sunday October 2 2016 at 3:00 PM Ocean City Performing Arts Center at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center 4001 Coastal Higjway, Ocean City, Maryland.
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