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Oak Ridge Philharmonia resumes concerts

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Oak Ridge Philharmonia

The Oak Ridge Philharmonia is resuming concerts after more than a year during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Great news!” the Philharmonia said on its website. “The orchestra will finally be in concert again!”

These are the first concerts since March 2020, and they are free.

The first concert is scheduled for 3 p.m. Sunday, October 31, at Cokesbury United Methodist Church on Kingston Pike in Knoxville. The second is scheduled for 3 p.m. Sunday, November 7, at First Baptist Church in Oak Ridge.

[Read more…]

Arts Council asks for help funding arts, music, ballet

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The Arts Council of Oak Ridge is asking for your help funding arts, music, ballet, and other organizations.

The Arts Council organizes the United Arts Fund Drive. That helps member organizations that include Oak Ridge Civic Music Association, Oak Ridge Civic Ballet, Oak Ridge Arts Center, Oak Ridge Community Band, Oak Ridge Philharmonia, and Music Arts.

There are also two affiliate organizations, Tennessee Mountain Writters and Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge.

The funds raised through the United Arts Fund Drive go directly to the member organizations you designate, a press release said.

“It is through your support that these organizations can continue to grow and thrive,” the release said.

[Read more…]

Oak Ridge Philharmonia to perform Mendelssohn, Saint-Saëns, Brahms

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The Oak Ridge Philharmonia is pictured above in rehearsal in this photo published in July 2017. (File/submitted photo)

The Oak Ridge Philharmonia is pictured above in rehearsal in this photo published in July 2017. (File/submitted photo)

 

A concert by the Oak Ridge Philharmonia on March 16 will include the performance of compositions by Felix Mendelssohn, Saint-Saëns, and Johannes Brahms.

The concert will include Mendelssohn’s “Symphony No. 4 in A Major, Op. 90”; Saint-Saen’s “Rapsodie, Op. 7”; and Brahms’ “Academic Festival Overture, Op. 80.”

Here is more information from a press release: [Read more…]

Enjoy Mozart’s ‘Don Giovanni’ in concert on Saturday

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Cast for Don Giovanni Concert—Top row from left to right: Tyler Padgett, Paul Bryson, Ryan Colbert, and Joshua Allen; Bottom row from left to right: April Hill, Harrison Cooke, Marya Barry, and Marcelo Urias (conductor). (Submitted photo)

Cast for Don Giovanni Concert—Top row from left to right: Tyler Padgett, Paul Bryson, Ryan Colbert, and Joshua Allen; Bottom row from left to right: April Hill, Harrison Cooke, Marya Barry, and Marcelo Urias (conductor). (Submitted photo)

 

On Saturday, the Oak Ridge Philharmonia will join with local operatic singers to present a free concert, consisting of the entire score from Mozart’s “Don Giovanni” opera.

“This is an excellent opportunity to enjoy all the music from this famous opera, without scheduling a trip to the Metropolitan Opera in New York City,” a press release said.

The featured singers, under the direction of Ryan Colbert, are Tyler Padgett (Don Giovanni), Paul Bryson (Leporello), Ryan Colbert (Donna Anna), Joshua Allen (Don Ottavio), April Hill (Donna Elvira), Harrison Cooke (Commendatore/Masetto), and Marya Barry (Zerlina). The orchestra and singers will be conducted by Marcelo Urias.

In the late 1700s, there was high demand in Prague for comic operas dealing with philanderers, such as the fictional Don Juan, a Spanish legend.  Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) seized upon that opportunity, and joined forces with librettist Lorenzo Da Ponte (1749-1838) to compose “Don Giovanni,” which premiered in Prague in 1787, the press release said. The plot is loosely based upon the Don Juan tale. [Read more…]

Twelve musicians featured with full orchestra in free concert on Saturday, Nov. 18

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The Oak Ridge Philharmonia in the August 2017 Concert. (Submitted photo)

The Oak Ridge Philharmonia in the August 2017 Concert. (Submitted photo)

 

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…]

Savor marvelous music from the movies on Aug. 5

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The Oak Ridge Philharmonia is pictured above in rehearsal. (Submitted photo)

The Oak Ridge Philharmonia is pictured above in rehearsal. (Submitted photo)

 

Submitted

Prepare to have your memories stimulated by famous movie music at the free August 5 concert by the Oak Ridge Philharmonia. Whether it is “As Time Goes By” from Casablanca, “The Shadow of Your Smile” from The Sandpiper, the iconic songs from James Bond movies, or the themes from Star Wars, Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, and Schindler’s List, you are sure to find lots to enjoy in this concert.

Herman Hupfeld originally wrote “As Time Goes By” in 1931 for the Broadway musical Everybody’s Welcome. Its appearance in the 1942 movie, Casablanca, starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, is what made the song famous. The refrain was sung by the character Sam (Dooley Wilson).

“The Shadow of Your Smile” by Johnny Mandel premiered in The Sandpiper, a 1965 film starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. Other than a straightforward version of the theme that features a vocal group, Jack Sheldon’s trumpet was prominent throughout much of the haunting score. This song became so popular that virtually every famous crooner recorded and published their own rendition. [Read more…]

Oak Ridge Philharmonia concert on Saturday will feature harpist with farewell solo, also Beethoven, Mozart

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Kari Novilla, harp soloist (Submitted photo)

Kari Novilla, harp soloist (Submitted photo)

 

Submitted by Dale Gedcke, publicity manager for the Oak Ridge Philharmonia

A concert on Saturday by the Oak Ridge Philharmonia will feature an abundance of ear-pleasing music, a press release said.

Concert selections will include Beethoven’s “Fifth Symphony,” the “Blue Danube Waltz” by Johann Strauss II, “Hungarian Dance No. 5” by Brahms, and the enchanting “Andante Movement” from Mozart’s “Piano Concerto No. 21.”

“As a special treat, harpist Kari Novilla will perform a farewell solo before beginning her university studies,” the press release said. “Here are the descriptions that make this concert one you will not want to miss.”

Kari Novilla began her musical studies with the violin at age four, then moved to harp at the age of seven. She currently studies with William Lovelace (past president of the American Harp Society) and Elzbieta Szmyt (Jacobs School of Music, Indiana University—Bloomington). She will be graduating this May with both her high school diploma and an associate degree from Walters State Community College, summa cum laude, the press release said. [Read more…]

Oak Ridge Philharmonia has open house Sunday; bring your instrument if you’d like to play

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The Oak Ridge Philharmonia performs at Cokesbury United Methodist Church in 2016. (Submitted photo)

The Oak Ridge Philharmonia performs at Cokesbury United Methodist Church in 2016. (Submitted photo)

 

By Dale Gedcke

Would you like to join an ensemble that plays famous Baroque, Classical, and Contemporary music…with strings attached?

The March 12 Open House with the Oak Ridge Philharmonia may be the opportunity you need to explore the benefits of playing with this excellent orchestra. Bring your instrument, and discuss the possibilities with Director/Conductor Marcelo Urias, the board members, and current players in the Philharmonia.

Refreshments will be served, and you may be able to play a few pieces with us, just for fun, while you are there. No auditions are necessary. Within a few rehearsals, you will be able to decide whether you and the orchestra are a fulfilling match.

Aspiring musicians typically encounter little difficulty locating concert bands in which to play. But orchestras, with the full complement of strings added to the woodwinds and brass, are hard to find. Even experienced professionals have to compete intensely for the scant positions open in sparse, professional orchestras.

The Oak Ridge Philharmonia is a community orchestra dedicated to committed volunteers. It presents a rare opportunity for musicians who want to polish their skills, while enjoying playing with the full spectrum of sounds only the combination of woodwinds, brass, and strings can deliver. [Read more…]

Saturday: Enjoy ‘La Bohème,’ ‘Falstaff,’ ‘Cosi Fan Tutte’ vocals—also Beethoven, Schumann

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University of Tennessee Opera Singers are, from left to right, Darius Thomas, Alexandria Shiner, Jack Francis, Breyon Ewing, Paul Bryson, Tyler Padgett, Marya Barry, Joshua Allen, and Ryan Colbert (vocal coordinator). Not pictured are Lisa Griggs and Cheryl Scappaticci of Music Arts. (Submitted photo)

University of Tennessee Opera Singers are, from left to right, Darius Thomas, Alexandria Shiner, Jack Francis, Breyon Ewing, Paul Bryson, Tyler Padgett, Marya Barry, Joshua Allen, and Ryan Colbert (vocal coordinator). Not pictured are Lisa Griggs and Cheryl Scappaticci of Music Arts. (Submitted photo)

 

By Dale Gedcke

In addition to Beethoven’s “Coriolan Overture” and Schumann’s “Spring Symphony,” the March 4 concert by the Oak Ridge Philharmonia will offer a special treat, with favorite opera selections from Mozart’s “Cosi Fan Tutte,” Verdi’s “Falstaff,” and Puccini’s “La Bohème,” sung by University of Tennessee students currently studying voice.

Lisa Griggs and Cheryl Scappaticci of Music Arts in Oak Ridge will be joining the UT singers for those opera excerpts, and will also perform the humorous “Cat Duet (Duetto buffo di due gatti),” written by Robert Lucas de Pearsall (1825) as a parody on Rossini’s “Otello” and “Katte-Cavatine” by Weyse.

This is an excellent opportunity to experience a live performance of the most enjoyable parts of these operas, without having to invest in each entire opera. The cast of UT singers comprises Darius Thomas, Alexandria Shiner, Jack Francis, Breyon Ewing, Paul Bryson, Tyler Padgett, Marya Barry, and Joshua Allen. In addition to singing two roles, Ryan Colbert organized and directed the singers for this performance. [Read more…]

Enjoy Danny Brian playing famous Tchaikovsky ‘Piano Concerto,’ with ‘Nutcracker’ bonus

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Danny Brian

Danny Brian

 

By Dale Gedcke

The Friday and Saturday concerts by the Oak Ridge Philharmonia will feature two of the most enjoyable compositions by Tchaikovsky. Danny Brian will play the exhilarating “Piano Concerto No. 1,” and the orchestra will perform selections from the enchanting “Nutcracker Suite.” For more information, continue to read below.

Danny Brian may be best known locally for serving as organist/pianist for 30 years at Cokesbury United Methodist Church. He has also been the accompanist for the Knoxville Choral Society and Knoxville Chamber Chorale for many years. Brian is an active local artist playing solo recitals and chamber music in the Knoxville area. He has been on the faculty at Knoxville College, and was staff accompanist at the University of Tennessee for several years. Brian won first place in the Mid-South Piano Competition, and has played with many orchestras throughout the Southeast. He began his musical studies at Blair School of music in Nashville, and he received his undergraduate degree in piano performance from Middle Tennessee State University, where he studied with Jerry Perkins. He also studied with David Northington at the University of Tennessee while he worked on his master’s degree. [Read more…]

Community Orchestra to become Oak Ridge Philharmonia, has concert Saturday

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Oak Ridge Philharmonia aka ORCO at Cokesbury

The Oak Ridge Philharmonia, formerly known as the Oak Ridge Community Orchestra. (Submitted photo)

 

By Dale Gedcke

Pop singers do it, movie stars do it, even sophisticated string quartets do it. So, Oak Ridge Community Orchestra said: “Let’s do it. Let’s change our name.”

For the August 20 concert, the Oak Ridge Community Orchestra will be elevating its brand name to the Oak Ridge Philharmonia.

Under that new banner, it will be performing, “An American in Paris Suite” by George Gershwin (arranged by John Whitney), “Danse Macabre” by Camille Saint-Saëns, the “Overture on Russian Themes” by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, and the first movement of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “Symphony No. 40.” More details are offered below. There is also a special surprise for the common man by a famous American composer. See if you can guess what all the fanfare is about from the clues provided.

George Gershwin (1898-1937) captured the sounds and atmosphere of Paris in the 1920s with “An American in Paris,” an almost jazz-like composition originally commissioned for the New York Philharmonic Orchestra in 1928. It is more familiar as the accompaniment to Gene Kelly’s dancing in the 1951 movie of the same name. The version performed in this concert is the condensed arrangement by John Whitney. Near the beginning of the piece, one can hear the taxi horns, and feel the rush of activity in the streets of Paris. A lyrical section of American blues emerges to remind us of the visitor’s nostalgia for home.  Abruptly, a fast jazz idiom jerks the listener back into the Paris bustle, and accelerates the music into a hectic, then grandiose ending, that mixes all of the themes. This is one of Gershwin’s most memorable masterpieces. [Read more…]

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