Reading Symphon Orchestra to present ‘Orchestral Masterpieces.’
The Reading Symphony Orchestra celebrates revered symphonic arrangements with an Orchestral Masterpieces program on Saturday, Dec. 1, at 7:30 p.m. at the Santander Performing Arts Center. The evening features beloved works by distinguished composers performed under the direction of Music Director Andrew Constantine, including Strauss, Bernstein, Saint-Saën, Debussy, Prokofiev, Elgar, Grieg, Mozart, Bach/Stokowski, Strauss, and Wagner.
“Orchestral Masterpieces is a wonderful way to experience some of the most seminal orchestral works of all time in their original context,” said Constantine. “Concertgoers new and old will recognize these famous pieces from countless classic films and television shows, and feel their raw power firsthand.”
• Strauss, also Sprach Zarathustra: The beginning of this forceful tone poem is what many consider the main theme of the film 2001: A Space Odyssey.
• Bernstein, Candide Overture: From the comic operetta based on Voltaire’s satirical novella comes a piece that’s been performed on Broadway since 1956.
• Saint Saen, Danse Macabre: A haunting piece depicting Death summoning the dead to dance as the clock strikes midnight on Halloween.
• Debussy, Clair de Lune: A calming piece used in countless films from Ocean’s Eleven and The Right Stuff to Seven Years in Tibet and the Twilight series.
• Prokofiev, Montagues and Capulets From the 1935 ballet Romeo and Juliet, this foreboding piece is a favorite among hip hop and heavy metal musicians alike.
• Elgar, Nimrod: A dynamic piece adopted by Britain for solemn occasions and recently featured in the World War II film Dunkirk.
• Grieg, “Morning” from Peer Gynt: The quintessential morning music, this piece is instantly recognizable and conjures the image of a beautiful, rising sun.
• Mozart, Marriage of Figaro Overture: From the comedy sequel of The Barber of Seville, this playful piece has been used in films like Trading Places, The King’s Speech, and Zombieland.
• Bach/Stokowski, Toccata and Fugue in D Minor: Made popular as the first work featured in the film Fantasia, this piece brings the power of the full symphony to Bach’s original organ arrangement.
• Strauss, The Blue Danube: One of the most famous waltzes and said to be Austria’s second national anthem, this piece is pure majesty that lent extraterrestrial beauty to 2001: A Space Odyssey.
• Wagner, Ride of the Valkyries: Best known as the song played during the famous helicopter approach scene in Apocalypse Now, this classic theme evokes the image of a raging battle.
Tickets for Orchestral Masterpieces can be purchased at Ticketmaster, 610373-7557 or tickets@readingsymphony.org.