The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
FVSO presents ‘Russian Romantics’ May 13
WEST HARTFORD >> Great works by Russian musical giants Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff and Glinka will be presented in a concert of “Russian Romantics” by the Farmington Valley Symphony Orchestra under Music Director Jonathan Brennand, Saturday, May 13 at 8 p.m. at the Hoffman Auditorium, University of St. Joseph, 1678 Asylum Ave., West Hartford.
The concert will feature one of the most dramatic scenes of grand opera, the moving “Letter Scene” from Tchaikovsky’s only opera, “Eugene Onegin,” with guest soloist Katherine Saik, soprano, singing the role of Tatyana. Saik holds a Master’s degree in voice performance from the Manhattan School of Music and is a frequent performer in the New York and New England areas. Recent performances include Mimi in Puccini’s “La Boheme, the soprano soloist in Orff’s “Carmina Burana, Poulenc’s “Gloria” and Barber’s “Knoxville: Summer of 1915.”
Young Connecticut Harpist Chaela Franck, Hartford Music Teachers Alliance Concerto Competition Winner, will make her debut with the FVSO in a movement from Handel’s “Concerto for Harp in Bb Major.” She has performed with the Cheshire Symphony Orchestra, the Capitol Symphonic Winds and most recently in the Hartt School of Music’s theater production of Sondheim’s “A Little Night Music.” She will be attending the Hartt School of Music full-time this fall and is pursuing a career in harp performance.
The program will open with Glinka’s lively “Overture to Russlan and Ludmilla” and will conclude with Rachmaninoff’s great “Symphony No. 2.” The early 20th Century work, with sweeping strings and triumphal brass, captures the many flavors of imperial Russia as well as Russian folk melodies.
Tickets at $18 for adults, $15 for students and seniors, can be purchased in advance by visiting the web site: www.fvso.org. All ticket purchases at the door will be $20. Further information is available on the web site or by calling 800975-FVSO.