Friday, opening night of the Midland Symphony Orchestra
Friday October 9 will be the opening night of a real indoor show, where families and couples will get together, dress up and enjoy an evening of live music featuring the Midland Symphony Orchestra.
It’s a deal many have been waiting for, where buzz and energy permeates the Brick Lobby of the Midland Center for the Arts, and audiences rush into the auditorium for a shared artistic experience.
“After 19 months of virtual activities, outdoor events and small indoor gatherings, we look forward to welcoming a full audience to the auditorium,” said Matt Travis, director of product programs at the Midland Center for the Arts. “We have worked diligently to create a great homecoming for our subscribers and clients so that they can experience the Midland Symphony Orchestra from the comfort of our iconic green seats. “
The program will feature more than 50 musicians under the direction of musical director Bohuslav Rattay, and will include three works by composers Jessie Montgomery, Jean Sibelius and Johannes Brahms. The show will close with Johannes Brahms’ Symphony No. 1 in C minor, a work he himself said took 21 years to create, from the first sketches to the final touches.
“This magnificent work is considered the greatest symphony in the Austro-German tradition,” said Travis. “We found it quite appropriate that after our long awaited return for a full season, we put this piece forward as our opening work! “
In addition to works by Brahms and Sibelius, the orchestra will perform Banner, composed by Jessie Montgomery, a lively composer, violinist and activist much sought after for her creations.
“Jessie Montgomery is one of my favorite songwriters, and this piece picks up a very familiar melody written for string quartet and orchestra,” said Travis. “Jessie is one of the most interesting voices and composers alive today and this piece is one of her most famous works.
Composed in homage to the 200th anniversary of the Stars and Stripes, the piece examines what an anthem for the 21st century looks like in today’s multicultural environment.
Tickets for the Brahms and More opening show with the Midland Symphony Orchestra can be purchased online at midlandcenter.org or by calling the box office at 989-631-5930.
The Midland Center for the Arts continues to review COVID-19 policies and precautions so that patrons, artists, staff, teachers, students and volunteers can have memorable experiences with confidence in their health and safety . As the center welcomes clients back to the auditorium, masks will be required from all clients of the building 2 years of age and older. To learn more about the centre’s COVID-19 policies and precautions, visit midlandcenter.org/COVID.
