Franz Joseph Haydn
The Blue Ridge Orchestra Presents a Two-Night Homage to Haydn October 15 and 16
Enjoy two nights of tribute to composer Joseph Haydn performed by the Blue Ridge Orchestra, which will be welcoming a dozen string students from UNC Asheville to their ranks. On Saturday, October 15, and Sunday, October 16, the orchestra will perform special compositions as a stirring tribute to the father of the symphony, Joseph Haydn. The performance begins at 3 p.m. both days and will delight listeners with an array of musical styles. UNC Asheville’s Lipinsky auditorium will host the upcoming Blue Ridge Orchestra performances.
Programmed by returning music director Milton Crotts, the Homage to Haydn opens with the Allegro from Haydn’s Sinfonia Concertante in B-flat Major. “On his path to developing the symphony, Haydn wore many musical hats: singer, teacher, performer, arranger and composer. We pay homage to Haydn with a program that celebrates his legacy with two great composers for whom he laid the musical groundwork, as he did for every composer who followed him,” says Crotts.
Featuring solo oboe, violin, bassoon and cello performances, the piece brings together some of the most talented musicians in the region. Following the Allegro is a stirring piece by Johannes Brahms entitled Variations on a Theme by Haydn, which transforms simple melodies into a brilliantly crafted exploration of the depth of Brahms’ imagination.
Mendelssohn’s Italian Symphony (No. 4) rounds out the program with a composition that harkens back to the artist’s tour of Europe, exploring the Italian art, countryside and people. Mendelssohn referred to this work as “the happiest piece I have ever written.” The Homage to Haydn is set to be an unforgettable experience for music lovers of all ages.
The Blue Ridge Orchestra will perform at the Lipinsky Auditorium at 300 Library Lane on the UNC Asheville Campus. Tickets are $15 for general admission, $10 for friends of the orchestra and $5 for students. For more information please visit blueridgeorchestra.org.
