The Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra (ECSO) ushers in spring with a concert Saturday, March 23, titled Springtime Lark featuring an eclectic blend of repertoire sure to entice listeners of all varieties. The concert will be held at the Garde Arts Center in New London starting at 7:30 p.m. and the pre-concert chat will begin at 6:30 p.m.
Continuing the tradition of featuring women composers, Joan Tower’s work Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman, No. 6, rounds out her 80th birthday celebration.
The ECSO co-commissioned Michael Torke’s Sky for violin and orchestra. It is a bluegrass-inspired concerto written for and performed by rising star violinist, Tessa Lark. Music Director and Conductor, Toshiyuki Shimada, notes, “The ECSO is proud to be part of this commission, and through our support of the creation of new works, we ensure that orchestral music remains relevant, vibrant, and a timely reflection of this moment in society. Everyone will enjoy this accessible and interesting piece, which will be masterfully played by area-favorite, Tessa Lark.”
In the concert’s second half, the orchestra performs the thrilling Symphonic Dances by Sergei Rachmaninoff. This three-movement suite was composed by Rachmaninoff while overlooking the Long Island Sound in 1940. The work, originally conceived to be music for a ballet, combines wild rhythms and rich harmonies. Now it is performed most often in the concert hall as a stand-alone piece, which is a testament to its compositional strength.
Patrons attending will also be among the first to hear about the 2019-20 season and can subscribe at the event that evening for a chance to win a special prize to be announced from stage.
This concert is generously sponsored by Yale New Haven / Lawrence + Memorial Hospital.
All attendees are urged to meet and greet with fellow concertgoers and ECSO musicians at the complimentary post-concert reception in the upper lobby of the Garde Arts Center. The reception is sponsored by ECSO Board members Tom Berl, Svetlana Kasem-Beg, and Bob Reed.
The ECSO 2018-19 Season
The 72nd season’s lineup, curated by Music Director and Conductor Toshiyuki Shimada includes major repertoire selections from Rachmaninoff, Mendelssohn, Dvořák, Mahler and many more. It will bring a thrilling range of sounds to the Garde stage. In addition to these timeless composers, the ECSO has co-commissioned a new work by Michael Torke, which will feature violinist, Tessa Lark, performing a bluegrass-style concerto.
Along with the guest artists who will grace the front of the stage will be many familiar faces from within the ECSO’s very own sections. Stephan Tieszen, the ECSO’s Concertmaster for 30 years; principal bass, Tom Green; and principal violist, Barbara Wiggin, will all make featured appearances throughout the season. The Eastern Connecticut Symphony Chorus will join the ECSO for Verdi’s Stabat Mater and Mozart’s Mass in C Major.
Visit www.ectsymphony.com for more information and follow ECSO on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube) @ectsymphony
The ECSO offers a range of affordable seating options from $65 to as low as $31 for attendance to one concert. The ECSO will continue to offer those under 40 years of age and active or retired military members $12 tickets in premium sections. Patrons can also take advantage of the Pick 4 subscription, which enables people to schedule our concerts around their busy lives.
Founded in 1946, the mission of the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra is to inspire, educate, and connect our communities through live orchestral music.