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Beaufort Symphony Orchestra inaugurates it's 30th year
"Symphonic Showcase"
on Oct. 22 and 25
Beaufort Symphony Orchestra will feature two of the greatest composers of all time, Joseph Haydn and Ludwig van Beethoven, in "Symphonic Showcase" to usher in its 2015-2016 season and begin a year-long celebration of its 30th anniversary. The second of Haydn's 12 London Symphonies, Symphony No.94 in G Major was written in 1791 in the full bloom of his musical genius. It became known as the "Surprise Symphony" due to a sudden, loud cord amidst a gentle staccato in the second movement, typical of his subtle wit. Despite the fame of the work based on this musical joke, the rest of the piece is a brilliant, virtuoso tour de force, filled with charm, drama and warmth. During his time in London, Hayden became somewhat of an 18th century rock star to his fans, who turned out by the thousands to attend his premieres. He loved the attention and the frequent dinner invitations to all the best homes, as well as the sizable income realized from the packed concert halls. Ludwig Van Beethoven fondly referred to his Symphony No. 8 in F, written in 1812, as "my little Symphony in F" in contrast to the much longer "Pastoral" Symphony No. 6. The work is also filled with little jokes and imitations and described as the most delightful and humorous of his works. It is unusually upbeat for Beethoven and the influence of his friend and mentor, Haydn, is evident. It was not well received by the critics who suggested that his 7th, written two months earlier, was better. Beethoven shrugged off their criticism by saying the critics didn't grasp the 8th because it was so much greater. Tchaikovsky agreed, praising the work as "one of the greatest symphonic masterpieces of Beethoven." Five Concert Season Maestro Frederick Devyatkin has created a delightful repertoire of programs to celebrate the orchestra's 30th anniversary, beginning with "Symphonic Showcase" on Oct. 22 and 25. "Winter Wonderland" on Dec. 17 and 20 will feature the Maestro as soloist in Bach's Concerto in A for Violin and include a delightful montage of festive holiday music. Guest artist Tamas Kocsis will once again delight audiences in "Romantic Virtuosi" on Feb. 25 and 28, with Paganini's Concerto No. 1 in D, Opus 6, and with the orchestra in Mendelssohn's Symphony No. 3, "Scottish." The spring concert will host the Savannah quintet Velvet Caravan in a salute to Django Reinhardt, "Slavic Swing" on May 12 and 15. A very special fifth concert will showcase the adult orchestra and the 50-member Beaufort Symphony Youth Orchestra together on stage in a "Side by Side Gala" on April 10 at Beaufort High School Performing Arts Center. To hear more about these outstanding concerts watch a video of musical director and conductor Fred Devyatkin on the orchestra's website at www.beaufortorchestra.org . You can also order your season tickets or individual concert tickets on the site, or call 1-800-595-4849. Concert Venue on Lady's Island All concerts with the exception of the "Side by Side Gala" will be held at Sea Island Presbyterian Church on Lady's Island. Thursday concerts are at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday concerts are at 4:00 p.m. A map with directions is also on the website. Adult tickets are $40.00 and students are $15 at the door. Concerts are funded in part by the SC Arts Commission which receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts.
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