PHILADELPHIA (Philharmonic of Southern New Jersey/ www.psnj.org) - Conductor and
Music Director Philip F. Travaline has chosen 'The Elements" as the theme of the initial concert in the orchestra's three-concert 2004-2005 subscription series. Earth, wind, fire and water will be brought together to form a musical universe encompassing Wagner and Debussy along with the incomparable American composer Richard Rodgers.
As O'Boyle describes his work, it fits neatly into Maestro Travaline's vision: "The opening fanfare heralds the gathering of storm clouds in the mountains...the rain fills the streams and on to the mighty river...The end is the water returning to the sea and the circle begins again."
RiverSymphony was commissioned in two parts by the Brisbane Riverfestival and premiered in its original form in 2000 and 2001 for the festival's closing fireworks. The original work is written for large orchestra, brass band, choir and two soprano soloists (adult and child). It includes an indigenous element and children's choir in the middle of the piece. O'Boyle subsequently reorchestrated the RiverSymphony Suite and RiverSymphony Fanfare for a standard orchestra to perform, and it is that version that PSNJ will premiere.
On the same program, The Patricia Green Singers will join the orchestra for a performance of Rutter's For the Beauty of the Earth. The small group of talented vocalists is drawn from the Trinity Oratorio Choir and specializes in smaller works from the Renaissance period to present day repertoire. Its leader, Patricia Green, is the Director of Music at the Lutheran Church of Our Savior in Haddonfield.
In a full exploration of the concert theme, the program includes Wagner's 'Magic Fire Music'; Debussy's 'Nuages' (from Trois Nocturnes); Rodgers 'Victory at Sea' (from the classic television documentary of the same name); selections from Grofe's 'Grand Canyon Suite'; and Falla's 'Ritual Fire Dance'.
To bring the concert to a close, the audience will be invited to sing along as the orchestra performs a medley of pop standards that carry the concert theme to a toe-tapping conclusion.
Tickets for this season's three-concert series are $45 per seat, $35 for seniors and students. Tickets for individual concerts are $20 per seat, $15 for seniors and students.
The all-volunteer Philharmonic of Southern New Jersey, comprising nearly 100 musicians, is supported by a grant from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts through the Camden County Cultural & Heritage Commission. Additional support comes from Bank of America, from Kitchen & Associates of Collingswood and from William and Karen Hoffman.
The Philharmonic of Southern New Jersey web site is at https://www.psnj.org
