An upcoming concert will feature two Virginia Symphony Orchestra (VSO) musicians, George Corbett and Tara-Louise Montour.
Each season, the Virginia Symphony takes the opportunity to feature some of the best talents within the orchestra, and at a concert on Thursday at Phi Beta Kappa Hall, two VSO musicians will step out of their sections for a featured solo spot next to the podium. On English Horn, George Corbett will perform William Alwyn’s “Autumn Legend,” and on violin, Tara-Louise Montour will perform the United States Premiere of Malcolm Forsyth’s “Trickster Coyote-Lightning Elk.”
Benjamin Rous conducts the program that also features Wagner’s “Siegfried Idyll” and Mendelssohn’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” a work based on Shakespeare’s immortal comedy, and perhaps best known for its “Wedding March,” which has accompanied countless couples down the aisle.
“‘Autumn Legend’ is a richly romantic composition about calming oneself down from an agitated state,” said Corbett. “The world around us is often full of anxiety, sometimes falling apart, like that of the transition of seasons from autumn into winter. It is a glimpse into the delicate cycle of life, rewarding us with hope that all is well that is born from transformation.
“This piece is perfect for a winter-time concert, in that it leads the listener into the hope that spring is just around the corner, and naturally, I am delighted to perform solo with the VSO again.”
“‘Trickster Coyote-Lightning Elk’ is a violin concerto that is truly close to my heart,” said Montour. “I commissioned this work from Canadian composer Malcolm Forsyth, and I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out.
“This piece evokes Native American imagery in a magical way, and pays homage to my Mohawk heritage. I am very excited to perform the U.S. premiere with my wonderful colleagues at the Virginia Symphony.
“This promises to be a truly memorable event!”
The local performance will take place at 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 7, at Phi Beta Kappa Hall on Jamestown Road. Tickets begin at $20. Students are $10 with ID, and discounts are available for groups of ten or more. To purchase tickets, call Symphony Patron Services at 757-892-6366 or visit the symphony website at www.virginiasymphony.org.
The concert is sponsored by Colonial Williamsburg and Regent University.
