The West Virginia University Symphony Orchestra will conclude this year's season with a performance at 7:30 p.m. Thursday (April 25) at the Canady Creative Arts Center, Lyell B. Clay Concert Theatre.
The concert concludes a busy, successful season for the students and Director Rotem Weinberg, who picked up the orchestra’s baton last fall.
The concert features Villa Lobos Sinfonietta No. 1 “A Memoria de Mozart;” Beethoven's Concerto No. 5 “Emperor,” featuring pianist Wenjun Xia; and Brahms’s “Variations on a Theme by Haydn.”
“Villa Lobos and Brahms are both tributes to the classical masters Haydn and Mozart,” Weinberg said. “Each of the composers makes the material their own and gives it special treatment. The beloved Beethoven ‘Emperor’ concerto combines a sublime lyrical movement with a powerful and whimsical rondo.”
Both Weinberg and Xia, a Canady Scholar and Young Artist Competition winner with the School of Music doctoral program, said working with the musicians on each piece is a joy.
“I enjoy collaborating with these talented musicians. It’s exciting to interact with the orchestra, blending my solo voice with the ensemble’s sound to create a rich musical experience,” Xia said. “This collaboration can lead to dynamic and nuanced interpretations of the music that may not be possible in solo performances.
“The April 25 concert promises to be an unforgettable evening of music, featuring talented musicians and a captivating repertoire,” Xia added. “Whether you’re a classical music enthusiast or new to orchestral performances, this concert offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty and power of live music. Join us for an evening of inspiration and artistry.”
General admission is $10, with child and senior tickets available for $5.