The Central Oregon Symphony, directed by Michael Gesme, will present its spring concerts at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 3; Monday, May 5; and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 4, in the Bend High School Auditorium. Doors will open 45 minutes before the performances. Tickets are required for these free concerts.
The “Symphonie Espagnole,” which was intended by its composer to soar “above the rigid form of an old symphony,” is five-movement work for violin and orchestra that transforms the traditional concerto into a showcase of virtuosity. The piece will be played by Linda Wang, a premier violinist who is consistently praised for her artistry, her warm, singing tone and her charismatic performances, according to Gesme.
“Scheherazade” is an orchestra favorite because it features nearly every instrument in some solo capacity, allowing letting the principals within each section to shine. Audiences love to listen to this classic work, as it evokes those familiar adventures told by the clever, nocturnal storyteller Scheherazade, who legend says spun her tales of shipwrecks and love over a thousand and one nights, always avoiding imminent death by promising her captors better stories were still to come.
The Central Oregon Symphony is an all-volunteer ensemble whose talented members dedicate a significant amount of their time to rehearsing and performing with the symphony.
Affiliated with Central Oregon Community College and supported almost exclusively by individual donations from local community members, the ensemble is committed to making free symphonic concerts available to all members of the community. Thanks to the contributions of season ticket holders, no one is turned away at the door.
For information, call 317-3941 or visit symphonyinfo@bendbroadband.com.