Date/Time
Date(s) - Apr 17, 2011
3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Location
Richard K. Stem Concert Hall
Categories
IU SOUTHEAST ORCHESTRA
PRESENTS RARELY-PERFORMED
WORK BY GUSTAV MAHLER
WITH MUSICIANS FROM
KEEP LOUISVILLE SYMPHONIC
March 28 – New Albany – The Music Department at Indiana University Southeast will present the IU Southeast Orchestra on Sunday, April 17, 2011 at 3:00 p.m. in the Richard K. Stem Concert Hall of the Paul W. Ogle Cultural and Community Center on the IU Southeast campus, 4201 Grant Line Road in New Albany. Tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for students, seniors, and IU Southeast faculty & staff, and are available at the Ogle Center ticket office, at all Ticketmaster locations, by calling 1-800-745-3000, or online at ticketmaster.com.
The program will consist of Gustav Mahler’s SYMPHONY NO. 1 (known as the “Titan”), including the seldom-performed “Blumine” movement. This lyrical section of the symphony appeared in the earliest performances of the symphony, conducted by Mahler himself, but was later removed. The movement was rediscovered in 1966 at Yale University, and was subsequently recorded by the New Haven Symphony as well as the Philadelphia Orchestra under Eugene Ormandy, but has remained rarely performed since that time.
Augmenting the university ensemble, which typically includes both university and community musicians, will be 13 members of Keep Louisville Symphonic (formerly known as the Louisville Orchestra Musicians Association). Also appearing as guest concertmaster will be Peter McHugh, a former concertmaster of the Louisville Orchestra and long-time symphonic musician and a teacher in the region.
According to Dr. Joanna Goldstein, Professor of Music and director of the orchestra, the Mahler symphony has been programmed both for its musical/educational importance as one of the major works of the post-Romantic period and also to underscore the value of a full-sized orchestra for our region. Much has been noted recently with regard to the financial difficulties of the Louisville Orchestra and the desire of the administration of that ensemble to cut the personnel to the size of an orchestra such as existed in the Classical Period. Beyond Beethoven, however, most music that audiences enjoy are either from the Romantic Period, post-romantic style, early 20th century or popular music for the light classics and pops series. These works require a full sized ensemble by contemporary standards.
Goldstein notes that she moved to Louisville not only because of the reputation of Indiana University, but also specifically due to the international reputation of the Louisville Orchestra reflecting a city that valued the performing and fine arts. Many smaller instrumental groups, specifically the chamber group she co-founded, were possible because of the group of fine instrumentalists who worked for the orchestra. “I have enjoyed playing as a pianist with so many musicians in the Louisville area over the years,” said Goldstein, “including Peter McHugh who is now a member of Kentucky Center Chamber Players. It saddens me to see the younger generation of musicians trying so hard to leave for other jobs because of this crisis. These musicians also teach in our community and provide so much of the music for personal celebrations. Our regular concert master Helen Bohannon, remembers Peter visiting her school in Owensboro, many years ago to give a master class. This remains a vivid memory for her and similar experiences likely exist for many members of our community with musical education. Unlike major metropolises such as New York or Chicago, there is not enough work in the area to keep a significant group of free-lance professional musicians upon whom a down-sized orchestra can call when needed. For the most part the orchestra will need to bring in students, which does not support the professional level of the ensemble. After all, would any of us go to a hospital not knowing whether we’d have a doctor or an intern operate? Would we buy a car not knowing if it was made by professional workers in the plant or high school interns getting experience in the factory?”
So, for the IU Southeast Orchestra, the appearance of these additional musicians is essential for the performance of post-Romantic works such as the Mahler which require a large orchestra. The interest of these professional musicians in performing with the IU Southeast ensemble is also a reflection of the dedication of these professional musicians to the arts life of our community.
Free parking for the April 17 concert is available in the Dogwood lot directly in front of the Ogle Center.
For more information on this performance, future performances, degree programs and scholarships offered by the IU Southeast Music Department, please visit www.ius.edu/music, or phone 812.941.2655.
Official Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/923972820957814/