Durrenberger will be the guest pianist as the Springfield Symphony Orchestra opens its landmark 75th season with a MasterWorks show at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6 at the Clark State Performing Arts Center.
A professor at Wittenberg since 1999, Durrenberger has spent a lot of time with the Springfield Symphony in various capacities, from performer to doing the pre-concert lecture program.
It was this Beethoven piece that he’s been focused on and not only has his patience paid off; it’s also part of great timing.
“I’m honored to kick off the season with such great music as this is a very special concerto. It has a certain quality you have to portray to find just the right mood,” said Durrenberger, who compares the concerto to “Rhapsody in Blue” in being beloved by music lovers.
He won two major competitions playing the “Emperor” concerto, including the Music Teachers National Association state collegiate competition in Columbus and placed in the Young Keyboard Artists Association International Competition.
The program will begin with another master composer, Brahms’ “Symphony No. 3.”
Durrenberger said he thinks the Springfield Symphony has only improved in his nearly 20 years here, and was particularly impressed with one concert here last season he thought was better than a symphony in a much larger city.
“It has a quality like a good wine,” he said. “The community should embrace this symphony. The arts are alive and well here and we’re really fortunate to have them.”
Not only will Durrenberger be in the spotlight on stage, he will before as well. He’ll do double duty, leading the Opening Notes pre-concert lecture in the Turner Studio Theatre at 6:45 p.m.
The Performance Prelude will also be at 6:45 in the Davidson Grand Lobby.
Durrenberger will also have a built-in cheering section with more than 50 of his music students and friends who will fill a section of the Kuss Auditorium.
He loves to train young musicians and feels a responsibility since music is often cut during school budget crunches, which the Springfield Symphony’s education programs help to counter.
“It’s very critical to have. I hope young people will discover music and the symphony,” he said.
HOW TO GO
What: Springfield Symphony Orchestra MasterWorks I 75th Season Opener
Where: Clark State Performing Arts Center, 300 South Fountain Ave., Springfield
When: Saturday, Oct. 6, 7:30 p.m.
Admission: $31-58
More info: 937-325-8100 or go to www.springfieldsym.org/
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