From Brevard Philharmonic:
Brevard Philharmonic Presents A Wall of Sound
On Sunday April 3rd at 3 p.m. the Porter Center will erupt with a tsunami of music. Although the title of Brevard Philharmonic’s fifth offering this season refers to the massive organ which is the centerpiece of the venue, because of their fullness of sound, harmony and sheer impact, A Wall of Sound could also be applied to the two other pieces on the program.
The afternoon opens with the orchestra playing Samuel Barber’s Adagio for Strings, opus 11. This piece is eminently recognizable due to its use in many television shows and movies, especially as the poignant, soaring theme in the movie, Platoon. One critic said of the piece, “It’s full of pathos and cathartic passion. It rarely leaves a dry eye.”
For the second offering of the afternoon, the renowned organist, William Bates, will step behind the pipes of the Porter Center’s magnificent pipe organ and join the Philharmonic filling the auditorium with the thunder of Francis Poulenc’s Concerto for Organ, Strings and Timpani in G minor. Bates’ performance in Brevard represents something of a personal reunion, as the orchestra’s conductor, Donald Portnoy, is a good, long time friend.
The third and final piece, Felix Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 4 in A major, opus 90 or “The Italian Symphony,” is an exuberant audience pleaser which the composer himself called the “jolliest piece” he’d ever written. Inspired by his first trip to Italy when he was still in his 20’s, it was intended to evoke the sights and sounds of the country, even using the rhythms of Neapolitan dances. Critics have called the final movement, among the most “strongly dramatic music the composer ever wrote.”
A Wall of Sound is sponsored by Dr. and Mrs. Barry H. Bodie. The Brevard Philharmonic is a non profit organization comprised of local and regional musicians, presenting six concerts annually at Brevard College’s Porter Center for the Performing Arts under the distinguished baton of Donald Portnoy, its artistic director and conductor. Its mission is to foster in the community and in our schools an appreciation for classical music and the performing arts.
A Conversation with Maestro Portnoy, beginning at 2pm, will be held in Scott Commons at the Porter Center, Brevard College before the concert. All are welcome.
Individual tickets are $25 to $35 per concert. Call or stop into the Philharmonic box office, located at 66 North Broad, inside Looking Glass Realty, 828-884-4221 for details. Or order with our new “pick your seat” option at brevardphilharmonic.org
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