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Symphony conductor Peter Stafford Wilson said Elijah the Prophet’s story shows up in the holy scriptures of the Bible, Torah and Quran, making German composer Mendelssohn intrigued enough put it in song. He reflected on the oratorio style of Handel and Bach but with the vocabulary of his own new romantic style.
“It seems appropriate that we end the season with Elijah. It is story-telling through word and music as the singers – both soloists and chorus – are called upon to portray various personalities, and the music takes on that dramatic aura that would define the romantic era in music,” Wilson said.
Complementing the voices of the chorale will be a quartet of soloists including soprano April Bennett, mezzo-soprano Elise Des Champs, tenor Daniel Stein and baritone Robert Kerr.
Bennett and Des Champs have performed with the Symphony previously.
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The evening will begin at 6:45 p.m. with the Opening Notes pre-concert lecture in the Turner Studio Theatre and the Performance Prelude in the Davidson Grand Lobby.
Symphony-goers were treated to a wide range of music and composers this season. Wilson looked back with a sense of pride.
“We have enjoyed musical talents from a child prodigy to seasoned veteran performer,” he said. “Along the way, we saw a brand new acrobatic work that is now thrilling audiences across the nation, and we have heard chestnuts that define the orchestral repertoire.
“But the common denominator is our splendid orchestra. The artists of the Springfield Symphony continue to craft performances of the highest caliber, whether it’s the venerable repertoire of Debussy, Telemann and Tchaikovsky or music new to our ears such as that of Messiaen, Hemenger or Golijov. Springfield is truly lucky to have this gem of an ensemble in its midst.”
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Though this season is ending, the Symphony will continue with activities over the summer including its annual slot at the Summer Arts Festival on June 22, as well as co-sponsoring the Lunch on the Lawn program with the Springfield Museum of Art in late July.
The lineup for the Symphony’s 75th season will be announced this summer.
WANT TO GO?
What: Springfield Symphony Orchestra, MasterWorks IV
Where: Clark State Performing Arts Center, 300 South Fountain Ave., Springfield
When: Saturday, April 14, 7:30 p.m.
Admission: $31-57
More info: 937-325-8100 or go to www.springfieldsym.org
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