University Symphony's Sunday concert is 'Romantic'
Feb. 2, 2004
KALAMAZOO--The University Symphony Orchestra will perform a "Romantic Survey" concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 8, in Miller Auditorium at Western Michigan University. The concert is free and open to the public.
The concert features three works which premiered between 1825 to 1830. All three pieces use programmatic material from literature and other "extra musical" forces to conjure vivid depictions of various subjects. The program begins with German Romantic composer Carl Maria von Weber's overture to the opera "Oberon," followed by Italian opera composer Gioacchino Rossini's famous overture to "William Tell."
"Performing these works in succession will offer the audience a glimpse of the fascinating contrast between the German and Italian opera styles," says conductor Bruce Uchimura.
The major work on Sunday's program will be "Symphonie Fantastique" by French Romantic composer Hector Berlioz. "Symphonie Fantastique" is based on the composer's own programmatic material about an artist's struggle with dreams and reality.
"All of these works are wonderfully imaginative and colorful masterpieces for the orchestra," says Uchimura, "and they use the ensemble's forces to their utmost."
Media contact: Kevin West, 269 387-4678, kevin.west@wmich.edu