By Phyllis
Dearborn Symphony under its long-time music director ended the season with a passionate performance May 4 at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center.
On hand, Symphony Board President Sandy Butler, Mayor John O’Reilly Jr., musicians and guest pianist Charles Berofsky and more honored Kypros Markou for 21 years of service as music director and conductor. Under his distinguished leadership, the orchestra and Berofsky presented an exquisite season finale.
Emotions were high, when O’Reilly presented Markou with the key to the city. On behalf of the Symphony Board, President Sandy Butler and Vice Presidents John Matthews and Wendy Fichter gave Markou a beautiful handmade glass plaque for his service.
Concertmaster Debra Terry presented Markou with an amazing book with pictures and notes from each musician to honor time shared. Terry spoke affectionately of the relationship forged between the orchestra and Markou.
Among others, Markou thanked board members as well as O’Reilly and, of course, the musicians.
The concert opened seamlessly with American-Syrian Composer Kareem Roustom. “Aleppo Songs” is Roustom’s emotional out cry for Aleppo. Colorful orchestration and based on Arabic songs, the music reflected the tragic and desperate situation in Aleppo. Markou conducted the piece with obvious emotional involvement.
The concert next featured Berofsky as soloist in Sergei Prokofiev’s “Piano Concerto No. 1 in D-flat major, Op.10.” Berofsky, gave a masterful performance of the concerto. Berofsky, this year’s winner of the Youth Artist Solo Competition, Piano Division received a standing ovation from the audience, as well as $500 check funded from the Anina & Ben Bachrach Trust.
Following the intermission the orchestra presented Antonin Dvorak’s “Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95, From The New World.” Markou and the orchestra gave an emotional performance of Dvorak’s beloved work. In the slow moment, Laurel Wellman played the English horn solo with great expression and beautiful tone.
For the closing of the program, members of the Dearborn Youth Symphony side by side with the orchestra delivered a spirited and lively performance of Jacques Offenbach “Orpheus in the Underworld.”
The afterglow celebration gave patrons a chance to congratulate and thank Markou for his outstanding artistic accomplishments. The line was long to get to Markou but worth it!
Next season opens Oct. 19 with “Best Hits of the Russian Masters!” Tickets will range from $15 to $35 and can be bought in advance or at the door. For more information call 313-565-2424 or go to dearbornsymphony.org.