By Phyllis
Spring promises a new beginning. The season fills us with hope and inspiration. The Dearborn Symphony and guest oboist Nancy Ambrose King understood as they welcomed the new season with the music of spring.
The March 19 concert at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center, titled “Sounds of Spring,” captured the appeal of this first warm spring season’s air with beautiful music.
The concert opened with Franz Schubert’s “Overture to Rosamunde.” Though of one of Schubert’s best instrumental works, the overture reflected an ideal union of “romantic ideals and classical form.”
David Mullikan’s “Concerto for Oboe” followed, featuring Ambrose King, who gave a vibrant performance. Ambrose King shone bright as the sun on a warm spring afternoon. The challenging work was a whirlwind of passionate moments. The four-piece movements took listeners from a place of heartfelt beauty to a place filled with energy and back to calm serenity.
The second half of the night’s performance opened with Aaron Copland “Appalachian Spring.” Frequently thought of as “Appalachia in the Spring,” the title actually refers to a wellspring, a source of water. The flow of the work was a nice complement to the evening’s program.
Johann Strauss’ “Voices of Spring” closed the night’s programmed featured works. Ava McDowell, program note writer for the Dearborn Symphony wrot, “Strauss wrote over 500 waltzes, polkas and other dance music. He was largely responsible for the popularity of the waltz during the 19th century, garnering him the title the Waltz King.” The concert ended on a happy note.
Mark your calendar for April 24 as the Dearborn Symphony takes the stage with guest pianist Ivana Vidovic, under the direction of Kypros Markou. The music will highlight select works from El Khoury, Debussy and Falla. Tickets range from $10 to $30.
For more information call (313) 565-2424 or go to dearbornsymphony.org.