Sounds of Cities makes a Casual Classics stop in Prague Jan. 15

Jan 6, 2010

For Immediate Release

Contact: Annie Matlow 464-7071

SPOKANE—  Resident Conductor Morihiko Nakahara will lead the Spokane Symphony and audiences on a musical tour of one of Europe’s great cultural centers, Prague, in the second of the Casual Classics series entitled Sounds of Cities on Friday, Jan. 15, 2010 at 8 pm. The concert at the Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox will feature solo performances by Spokane Symphony cellists John Marshall and Helen Byrne.

Prague was once the capital of Bohemia, a major Kingdom in the Holy Roman Empire, and the seat on the oldest University in Central Europe. As such, the city was a gathering point of artists and musicians, including the incomparable Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Mozart loved Prague, commenting “My Praguers understand me,” and premièred several works there, including the “Marriage of Figaro.” The Symphony will begin the concert with the Overture from this highly successful opera.

The orchestra will play three compositions byAntonin Dvořák, one of Prague’s most famous sons and father of modern Czech music. The Rondo in G minor for Cello and Orchestra was written for Hanus Wihan, friend of Dvořákand cellist of the Bohemian String Quartet. This colorful and dramatic piece shows off the cellist’s abilities as it moves from spirited dance, through wistful lyricism and soaring heights of joyful virtuosity, only to end in quiet melancholy. The cello solo will be performed by Helen Byrne.

The second selection by Dvořák is Serenade in D minor, Op. 44, written for wind – oboes, clarinets, bassoon, double bassoon and horn – cello and double bass. While this instrumentation, with no signs of the brightness delivered by flutes and violins, promised to be rather stodgy, it provides in fact, the tools for building a work of contrasts, where a ponderous theme acts as the perfect foil for the delightful folk-inspired dances, and gorgeous melodies that follow. 

The third Dvořák selection is Silent Woods, op. 68, (Waldesruhe in German, Klid in Czech), which was part of a set of music for four-handed piano named “From the Bohemian forest.” Due to its immense popularity, the Silent Woods was later arranged for cello and orchestra, retaining its dreamy, lyrical quality. John Marshall will play the cello solo.

The concert will conclude with the Serenade for Strings by another of Prague’s great composers, Dvořák’s son-in-law Josef Suk. The work was composed while Suk was still a student, but it attracted the attention of both Dvořák and Johannes Brahms, who endorsed its publication, and catapulted young man into the international spotlight. The music is sunny, gentle and beautiful, bringing pleasure to the listener, but the mastery with which it was composed invites comparison with other great nineteenth century string works, such as the Serenade by Tchaikovsky, and the String Serenade by Dvořák himself.

John Marshall is the principal cellist with the Spokane Symphony and is the professor of cello and chamber music at EasternWashingtonUniversity. He also teaches classes in string techniques, aural skills and computers in the music classroom. Dr. Marshall holds performance degrees from three of the most prestigious music schools in the country: a BM from IndianaUniversity, an MM from YaleUniversity, and a DM from NorthwesternUniversity. During the summer, Marshall teaches cello and chamber music at Interlochen Arts Camp. In 2001, Marshall initiated the CELLObration Spokane festival. Now an annual event at EWU, CELLObration brings together over 50 student and professional cellists from all over the Northwest for a day of learning and performing music for cello ensemble. Marshall is also a frequent performer with several arts organizations in the Inland Northwest.

Helen Byrne is assistant principal cellist with the Spokane Symphony. A native of Spokane, she began her cello studies with Carol Graef. She graduated from NorthwesternUniversity with a degree in cello performance and in 1982 joined the Spokane Symphony. In addition, she plays cello in the Spokane String Quartet. She plays a cello made in 1820 by Thomas Kennedy.

Once again, the First Avenue Art Deco Bistro will be serving a selection of Happy Hour appetizers and beverages, prepared by GloverMansion chefs, from 6:30 p.m. to concert time. Selected items can also be preordered before the concert and be waiting for intermission. In addition, pre-paid parking may be purchased through the Spokane Symphony Ticket Office

This concert has been sponsored by Frank and Sherry Knott.

Tickets are $21, $23, $28, and $32. Tickets are available in advance at the Spokane Symphony Ticket office, 1001 W. Sprague, or by calling 509-624-1200. Single tickets are also available at all TicketsWest outlets or at spokanesymphony.org.

CALENDAR LISTING:

Casual Classics 2: Sounds of the City of Prague; Morihiko Nakahara conducts the Spokane Symphony; Jan. 15 at 8 pm in the Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox. Tickets for the concert are $21 to $32. Tickets may also be purchased by calling the Spokane Symphony Ticket Office at (509) 624-1200 or in person at the Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox, 1001 W. Sprague; tickets are also available at www.spokanesymphony.org and through all TicketsWest outlets.