A Symphony Celebrates A City
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Jenine Baines
818-952-5544
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March 09, 2008
MOBILE,
Ala.
Mozart wrote "Paris" and "Prague" symphonies, Haydn composed a
grand total of twelve with a subtitle of "London," while Dvorak cast
his musical eye even further afield and dedicated a symphony to the
entire "New World." On Saturday, April 5, the Mobile Symphony Orchestra
(MSO) will add an exciting new 21st century flourish to this hallowed
tradition when it presents the World Premiere of a "Jubilee" symphony
celebrating the city of Mobile -Symphony No. 2 by MSO
composer-in-residence Kenji Bunch.
Also on the program for "The Story of Mobile" performance, which will
take place at 8 p.m. at the historic Saenger Theatre in Mobile, is yet
another "Symphony No. 2" written by a composer who has remained
´composer-in-residence´ in the hearts of classical music aficionados
for generations - Johannes Brahms.
"Although these two symphonies are incredibly different, both end with
a blaze of glory," says Music Director Scott Speck. "Brahms had an
incredible gift for developing themes and building up huge emotional
power. So while the second symphony begins in a relaxed pastoral mood,
it doesn´t remain quiet for long. Brahms himself called it one of his
most ´unbuttoned´ works."
Bunch´s "Jubilee" symphony is equally evocative. The work opens with
"Water Music," depicting the sights and sounds of the Mobile Bay, then
continues with "In spiritum sanctum," a movement that reflects the
original name for the bay - Bahia del Espiritu Santo (Bay of the Holy
Spirit). The Mobile Opera Chorus joins the orchestra for this movement,
adding to the historic, ecclesiastical feel of the section by singing
in a manner reminiscent of a Gregorian chant.
The third movement, "Winds of Change" includes an enormous storm scene.
"I wanted to create the most powerful sound that has ever been heard on
the Saenger Theatre stage," explains Bunch, hailed by the New York
Times "as a composer to watch." Helping to create that huge sound is a
choir of four trombones and four percussionists placed throughout the
hall. A prelude to the finale, Water Music Part II, follows.
The fifth movement, "Jubilee," lives up to its name...and then some.
"It´s extremely joyous, with jazzy echoes of Gershwin," says Speck.
"The chorus returns to sing about the ´Jubilee´ in a way that reminds
me of ´Oh, I can´t sit down´ from Porgy and Bess."
MSO Executive Director Stephen Hedrick predicts that, by the end of the
program, the audience will cry out, "Oh, I can´t sit down" as well. Or
"composer, composer."
"Our patrons appreciate new works from talented composers," he
explains. "Kenji has a way of crafting his music to engage the listener
and excite them to the point that they are compelled to rise to their
feet. They love him."
What is the secret to Bunch´s success? Perhaps it is that, musically, he offers something for everyone.
"I´m the sum of my listening experiences and I don´t try to deny any of
them," muses the young composer, whose works have been commissioned by
ensembles ranging from the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra to Honolulu
Symphony and are regularly broadcast on NPR, BBC and NHK in Japan. "In
my music you find pop, jazz, rock and even Broadway."
The Residency of Kenji Bunch is made possible through Music Alive, a
residency program of the American Symphony Orchestra League and Meet
The Composer. Funding for Music Alive is provided by The Andrew W.
Mellon Foundation and The Aaron Copland Fund for Music. There will be a
Sneak Preview Open Dress Rehearsal Matinee for "The Story of Mobile" on
Saturday, April 5 at 2 p.m.
For more information about the Mobile Symphony Orchestra, its
performances and educational outreach programs, visit the orchestra´s
website at www.mobilesymphony.org. To purchase tickets - which range
from $15 to $55 - call 251-432-7080 or order online. The Saenger
Theatre is located at 6 South Joachim Street in Mobile.
The Mobile Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1970 as the Symphony
Concerts of Mobile. Its mission was to present world-class touring
orchestras such as Alabama Symphony, Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra
and St. Paul Chamber Orchestra for six evening concerts. In 1996, the
Board of Directors decided that to serve the educational, quality of
life, and economic development needs of the community, it should create
its own orchestra of local professional musicians.
Today, the Mobile Symphony Orchestra, under Music Director Scott Speck,
is the premier producer of live symphonic music in the Gulf Coast
region. It is committed to enhancing the lives of every member of the
community by achieving the highest standards in live symphonic music
and music education.
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