Orchestra at Maryville College opens concert season Oct. 26

Oct. 1, 2009
Contact: Genevieve Michael, Orchestra General Manager
865.273.8871; genevieve.michael@maryvillecollege.edu

Conductor Bill Robinson invites the community to spend an evening with friends and great music as the Orchestra at Maryville College (OMC) begins the 2009 – 2010 concert season with a fall concert at 7:30 p.m., Oct. 26, in the sanctuary of Maryville’s First Baptist Church.

A college and community ensemble comprised of volunteer and student musicians, the OMC has enjoyed the addition of many new members this fall, which adds to the energy and excitement of the first concert.

The program starts with a familiar piece – Franz Josef Haydn's final symphony (104 in D, The London Symphony No. 7). This work was composed in 1795 while Haydn was living in London and premiered at the King’s Theatre on May 4, 1795 in a concert consisting entirely of Haydn's own compositions and directed by the composer.

Next on the program is Giuseppe Verdi's “Grand March,” also known as “The Egyptian March” from Aida. Italian Romantic composer Verdi is known as one of the most influential composers of the 19th century.

The Kol Nidrei ,Op. 47 features cello soloist Wesley Harson in Max Bruch's arrangement of this famous melody. First published in 1881, this piece consists of a variation on a main theme of Jewish origin – an Aramaic prayer which is recited during the evening service on Yom Kippur. Principal cellist Harson earned a master’s degree in cello performance from the University Tennessee.

The final piece was written by German composer Otto Nicolai. Merry Wives of Windsor will provide a rousing ending to the evening's festivities. First performed in 1849, this tuneful and lighthearted overture is probably the only Nicolai music familiar to most people.

Tickets are available at the door and are $10 for adults and $7.50 for seniors (age 60+). Tickets are free to all Maryville College faculty, staff, students and retirees with ID.

For more information about upcoming concerts and season tickets, please contact Genevieve Michael, orchestra general manager at 865.273.8871 or genevieve.michael@maryvillecollege.edu.

Maryville College is ideally situated in Maryville, Tenn., between the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Knoxville, the state's third largest city. Founded in 1819, it is the 12th oldest institution of higher learning in the South and maintains an affiliation with the Presbyterian Church (USA). Known for its academic rigor and its focus on the liberal arts, Maryville is where students come to stretch their minds, stretch themselves and learn how to make a difference in the world. Total enrollment for the fall 2009 semester is 1,103.