ASO Opens 51st Season With Music from the Movies
From “Star Wars” to “The Magnificent Seven,” the Alma Symphony Orchestra opens its 51st concert season with music from the movies.
The concert takes place at 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 17 in the Remick Heritage Center, Presbyterian Hall. Tickets are $10 adults, $5 for seniors 62 and up, and free for Alma College staff, students and youth 18 and under. Seating is reserved. Call (989) 463- 7304 for ticket information.
Music from the films “Our Town” and “Richard III,” by composers Aaron Copland and William Walton, respectively, will be featured on the first half of the concert; after intermission the concert is devoted to the melodies of John Williams, including suites from the “Harry Potter” films, “Schindler’s List” and the “Star Wars” trilogy.
Director Murray Gross leads the Alma Symphony Orchestra.
The concert will evoke a variety of emotions and sensations, says Murray Gross, the musical director of the Alma Symphony Orchestra.
“Like all of our concerts, there is a mix of exciting colorful music along with quieter, more meditative pieces,” he says.
Much of the music will be familiar for the audience.
“Even though people may not have seen ‘The Magnificent Seven,’ I can guarantee they’ll recognize the tunes,” Gross says. “And, of course, we couldn’t have a film concert without featuring John Williams, probably the best known composer from the last 50 years. Williams wrote a lot of exciting music for big adventure films, but he also wrote some quiet beautiful music. So, while a lot of the music will be recognizable, there will also be a few surprises.”
Gross says that there is a unique aspect to the experience of hearing music performed live.
“There is nothing like the feeling of hearing a live symphony orchestra,” he says. “Everyone hears music all the time, often on an iPod or the radio, but it still can’t compare with the thrill of hearing a stage filled with musicians. There is energy and a real, unique sound to a live symphony orchestra.”
The Alma Symphony Orchestra comprises Alma College students and local musicians. Takeshi Abo, an Alma College faculty member and active violinist, will perform a solo during the second half of the performance.
“We view the orchestra as a community resource,” says Gross. “There’s a fine orchestra in Lansing, and one could drive to Grand Rapids, but we’re proud to have an outstanding group right here in Alma. The artistic quality of our performances is quite high, and we know people will enjoy this concert.”
Posted: Sat, October 9th, 2010 at 2:02PM
