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Press and News
Peninsula Symphony presents:
Vienna, City of My Dreams
Friday, January 21, San Mateo Performing Arts Center, 8pm
Sunday, January 22, Flint Center, Cupertino, 8pm
Pre-Concert Lectures begin at 7pm
December 2010 -- Los Altos, CA:
The very name ‘Vienna’ conjures images in the heart and soul of any music lover. This January, the Peninsula Symphony continues its season of ‘Great Works in Grand Style’ by transporting audiences to the home of classical music. The concerts will feature orchestral masterpieces including Suppé’s Light Cavalry Overture, Schubert’s Symphony No. 8 in B minor, excerpts from Mozart’s Divertimento No. 2, a variety of Strauss waltzes and more! In addition to the auditory experience, it will be a feast for the eyes as well, as masterful members of the Academy of Danse Libre colorfully recreate a Viennese Ball, in full costume and classically choreographed to three eras of Viennese music, including the music of the “Waltz Kings.” Performances are on January 21st at the San Mateo Performing Arts Center and Saturday, January 22nd at the Flint Center in Cupertino, both at 8pm.
The pre-concert lecture begins at 7pm both evenings. Tickets are $38 General Admission, $32 Senior and $20 Youth/Student.
“Vienna has been the most important crossroads of our art form for three centuries. Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, the Strausses, Schoenberg and uncountable others spent much of their creative lives here, interacting with the leading musical figures of the ages and formulating the recipes for the greatest musical works in many styles,” remarks Music Director & Conductor, Mitchell Sardou Klein.
The first half of the concert will immerse audiences in the Viennese operetta world as the Symphony performs Suppé’s Light Cavalry Overture, a delicious Viennese pastry of an overture, with tunes that will be familiar to everyone. Then will come Schubert’s mesmerizing Symphony No. 8 (the “Unfinished Symphony”), with its evocative melodies and mysterious history. The first half will end with a particularly enchanting Mozart work: the Divertimento No. 2, in D. Here Mozart presents moments of “powdered wig” propriety set against rowdy folk elements, brought to life by a small orchestra featuring four noisy French Horns.
After intermission, the stage will be transformed into a majestic Viennese Ballroom for music and dance of the “Waltz Kings” – Johann Strauss Jr. and Sr., Joseph and Edward Strauss, and Franz Léhar. The audience will hear the music, and also see the elegantly costumed dancers of the Academy of Danse Libre, dancing the traditional choreography of the most alluring era of aristocratic Vienna. Favorites such as the Radetzky March, the Merry Widow Waltz, Voices of Spring, and, the ultimate waltz – the Blue Danube, will be on display for a glamorous and memorable night.
The Peninsula Symphony, a 90-member community orchestra led by Music Director and Conductor Mitchell Sardou Klein, celebrates its 60th anniversary of providing unique and first-class music to the Bay Area community. In addition, as part of its “Bridges to Music” outreach programs, the Symphony shares its passion for music by offering programs in schools, providing free or discounted tickets to students and their families, hosting two competitions for students, and presenting a free family concert and outdoor summer concert. This season the Orchestra performs concerts in venues from Cupertino to San Mateo. For tickets or more information visit www.peninsulasymphony.org or call (650) 941-5291.
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