The “Lincoln Portrait” by Aaron Copland, a famed Brahms concerto and a “fill the basket” drive will come together at the Port Angeles Symphony Orchestra’s first concert of the season on Nov. 5.
The 66-member orchestra, including musicians from across Clallam and Jefferson counties, will welcome guest soloist Monique Mead, who will play Brahms’ violin concerto on a 1717 Stradivarius violin. The instrument is on loan from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pa., where Mead is a music professor.
Playing this violin, Mead said, is like driving a fine sports car: “Simply thrilling,” She also noted that this concerto is not just a violin solo; it’s an orchestral work with a big part for her instrument.
“I’m really looking forward to the warmth of the strings … and the massive, full orchestra sound that is Brahms’ signature,” said Mead, who also came to Port Angeles in spring 2013 to join the symphony as a guest artist.
Lisa Bergman, a radio host on KING-FM of Seattle, also will come to Port Angeles. She’ll narrate “Lincoln Portrait,” Copland’s blending of music with the inspirational, and at times provocative, words of President Abraham Lincoln.
Selections from Charles Ives’ Symphony No. 3, “The Camp Meeting,” also are on the concert program, all of which was chosen by Port Angeles Symphony conductor Jonathan Pasternack, as he begins his second season leading the orchestra.
Pasternack will offer a short talk at 6:40 p.m.; the concert will start at 7:30 p.m. in the Port Angeles High School Performing Arts Center, 304 E. Park Ave.
Admission for adults ranges from $20 to $30 for reserved seats or $15 for general admission or $12 for seniors and students. Youngsters age 16 and younger are admitted free when accompanied by an adult.
As with all orchestra concerts, music lovers are invited to attend the symphony’s final rehearsal. It starts at 10 a.m. at the high school Performing Arts Center, with admission at $5 per person or $10 per family.
Tickets are on sale at Port Book and News in downtown Port Angeles; The Joyful Noise Music Center in downtown Sequim and via brownpapertickets.com.
Information awaits at the symphony office, 457-5579 or via email at PASymphony@olypen.com.
At the morning rehearsal and the evening concert, the Stevens Middle School Parent-Teacher Organization will host a “fill the basket” food drive in anticipation of the holiday season. In this annual effort to help students who don’t get enough wholesome food to eat, Stevens’ PTO encourages concert-goers to bring one or more of these items: canned tuna or chicken, canned chili or chicken noodle soup, peanut butter in plastic jars, or a monetary donation (so the PTO can purchase what’s needed).
More about the Port Angeles Symphony Orchestra’s 84th season of concerts, including the Symphony’s Holiday Concert on Dec. 10, can be found at www.PortAngelesSymphony.org.
