There will be 12 featured musicians performing with the full orchestra during a free concert of the Oak Ridge Philharmonia on Saturday, November 18.

Danny Brian will be the soloist for the unforgettable “Piano Concerto No. 1” by Franz Liszt, a press release said. Concertmaster Margaret Moore has selected Beethoven’s “Fifth Violin Sonata” for her performance. The lively first movement of “Concerto for Flute, Oboe, and Bassoon” by Antonio Vivaldi will be presented by Barbara Sparks, Cyndi Jeffers, and Cora Nappo. Kimberly Simpkins, Belle James, and Kathryn York will tangle with the “Tango, Las Cuatro Estaciones Porteñas” by  Ástor Piazzolla,” the press release said. To add a Mexican flavor, Greg Foertter, Ward Bigler, and Dale Gedcke will play the “Chiapanecas Trumpet Trio,” as arranged by Raphael Méndez. In addition to conducting the piano concerto, and accompanying the violin and trumpet soloists on piano, Marcelo Urias will direct the orchestra in a colorful symphonic poem, “Les Préludes,” by Franz Liszt.

Franz Liszt (1811-1886) was a child prodigy, who leveraged his musical skills into great wealth by playing piano concerts throughout Europe during most of his life.  He was also a well-developed composer, the press release said. Although most of the themes were created before the age of 19, it was a long 26 years of revisions before he finally completed the “Piano Concerto No. 1” to his satisfaction. The result was an impressive composition, with which pianists can enchant their audiences, just as Liszt did, the press release said. It incorporates some dramatic themes, which will cycle through your memory for weeks thereafter, the release said. Danny Brian, a familiar performer with the ORPH, brings a vibrant enjoyment to this piano concerto, the press release said.

Liszt also composed “Les Préludes (Love Storm and Victory)” and thereby established a new category, the symphonic poem, when it premiered in 1854, the release said. That label aptly describes the nature of the composition.

“The music captures the essence of the three scenarios, with intense feelings,” the press release said. “After the orchestra finishes this piece, you may find yourself humming some of the melodies for the next week.” [Read more…]