By Phyllis
DEARBORN — A musical celebration of springtime melodies filled the Michael A. Guido Theater April 3. In a concert titled “Classic Brass,” the Dearborn Symphony Orchestra welcomed guest trumpeter Brandon Ridenour to the stage.
The concert, made possible by a $20,000 donation from the Women’s Association for the Dearborn Orchestral Society, turned gold as the young Ridenour played Joseph Hayden’s “Trumpet Concerto in E Flat Major.”
Under the skillful hand of Conductor and Music Director Kypros Markou, the night opened with George Enescu’s “Romanian Rhapsody in A major, No. 1, Op.11.” Oddly enough, the cascade of joyously woven ethnic folk tunes were not appreciated by the composer, as he reflected on this timeless classic as simply something he threw together.
Those same scores, that carefully considered both melodies as well as instrument choice, were well executed by the Dearborn Symphony. The thoughtful instrumental compositions allowed principal violist Mircea Cure an opportunity to shine. His masterful solo enhanced the performance. Principal flutist Dennis Carter, another long standing orchestra member, also had a chance to stand out. The dynamic work made for a memorable opening that set the tone for the rest of the night’s performance.
The night continued with a shy-smiled, well-poised, young Ridenour. The soloist managed Hayden’s “Trumpet Concerto” with ease. His performance generated enough enthusiasm that he was called on for an encore — Del Staigers’ ”Carnival of Venice.” Ridenour’s performance with this lesser known work was equally as impressive as his scheduled titled work.
The concert closed with Antonin Dvorak’s “Symphony No. 8.” The short-winded finish was a perfect fit for the night’s show. Dvorak’s eighth symphony gained international acclaim faster than any of his other works. This piece represented Dvorak’s independence from the influences of his well-respected mentors.
The originality of his work sang out with his unique style of self-expression and stood out as a great choice for the evening’s concert finale.
The 2008-09 Dearborn Symphony season May 8 with a concert titled “Wunderkind!” This is the concert where the Youth Artist Solo Completion winners take the stage. Also, the Dearborn Youth Symphony, in a celebration of music, takes the stage along with the Dearborn Symphony. Ticket prices range from $10 to $30.
For more information call (313) 565-2424 or go to the Web site dearbornsymphony.org.