Chart a course for the high seas and back again when the Symphony of Northwest Arkansas, under the baton of acclaimed SoNA Music Director Paul Haas, presents its Masterworks III "Surf and Turf" concert.
The special encore performance will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 8, in John Brown University's Berry Performing Arts Center.
Masterworks III is the fifth concert in SoNA's expanded 60th Anniversary Season and features three distinct works linked by pairing land and sea: Smetana's "Moldau," Debussy's "La mer," and Respighi's "Pines of Rome."
"This concert was inspired by the idea of going out to sea and then returning home," Haas explained. "We begin with Smetana's blockbuster river adventure 'Moldau,' which a surprising number of people have told me is their favorite piece of all time. Then, we settle in for an intense ride with Debussy's 'La mer,' which depicts the sea in its many forms and moods. Finally, Respighi's glorious 'Pines of Rome' is a tour of the ancient city, with a panoply of exotic colors and emotions."
"The final movement is one of my favorites to hear as an audience member," Haas added. "At a crucial point, the sound literally envelops the listener with multiple instrumentalists playing from stations out in the hall. You won't want to miss this memorable experience!"
The nonprofit organization has provided 60 years of musical performances and educational opportunities. It was founded in 1954 as the North Arkansas Symphony. It was rebranded as the Symphony of Northwest Arkansas in 2011.
Under the musical direction of Paul Haas, SoNA presents classical and pops performances for symphonic music lovers in Northwest Arkansas. SoNA is a mobile organization with the ability to perform anywhere, and is a resident company of the Walton Arts Center.
The performance is made possible by The Windgate Foundation. Tickets to the March 8 concert are $15 (family pricing available), and may be purchased by calling (479) 524-7382 or visiting www.jbu.edu/tickets.
For more information about SoNA, visit www.sonamusic.org.
General News on 03/04/2015