The Atlanta Symphony and Chorus opens its 71st season Sept. 17-19 with Mahler’s “Resurrection” Symphony, but in the buildup to that major concert the ASO has announced that it is releasing a recording of a world premiere from the 2014-15 season.
On Sept. 11, ASO Media, the orchestra's own label, is issuing its sixth release, "Christopher Theofanidis Creation/Creator."
The work by Theofanidis, a member of the ASO's Atlanta School of Composers, was given its world premiere at Atlanta's Symphony Hall in April.
Interweaving texts and ideas from philosophy, science, religion, poetry and literature, “Creation/Creator” is divided into 15 movements, each showcasing different texts and utilizing different musical approaches. The movements contain segments of poetry recitations, a capella choral pieces, orchestral music, electric guitar, saxophone, percussion and vocal sections.
AJC classical music critic James Paulk praised the ambition of the 75-minute concert piece, which explores creation and the creative process and relationship between God and humanity.
Distributed by Naxos of America, the recording features music director Robert Spano leading the ASO and Chorus. Soloists are soprano Jessica Rivera, mezzo-soprano Kelley O’Connor, tenor Thomas Cooley, bass Evan Boyer and baritone Nmon Ford.
The digital release will be available for download on iTunes and the CD may be ordered online at www.aso.org/asomedia or amazon.com.
The ASO announced this summer that it would perform "Creation/Creator" when it performs at the inaugural Shift: A Festival of American Orchestras at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington in March 2017.
VISUAL ART
Sculpture conference to help shape city’s future
The Mid-South Sculpture Alliance conference, Sept. 17-20, brings to Atlanta top national experts and talent in the field of sculpture for four days of indoor and outdoor exhibitions, workshops, demonstrations, speakers and panels. Many aspects are open to the public via one-day or full-conference ticketed registration.
The keynote address will be by Joseph Becherer, founding director and curator of the sculpture program at Frederik Meihjer Gardens & Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids, Mich. Also noteworthy: a lecture by Baltimore artist Joyce J. Scott; and the Master’s Award Dinner honoring artist George Beasley, a Georgia State University emeritus regent’s professor.
A panel discussion, "Atlanta Infrastructure and Public Art: What Are the Possibilities?" is targeted for arts administrators, urban design planners, architects, government officials and artists. The session will detail a $12 million public art initiative included in an infrastructure bond referendum by Mayor Reed that was approved by Atlanta voters in March.
More details on the conference, being presented by Eyedrum Art & Music Galleries and the Georgia State University Ernest G. Welch School of Art & Design: midsouthsculpturealliance.wildapricot.org/conferences.
CLASSICAL MUSIC
Baroque Orchestra opens in an artful space
The theme for Atlanta Baroque Orchestra's 2015-16 season is "Forging New Connections," with goals to reach new audiences in new places and to cultivate new collaborations. The ensemble moves in that direction with its 18th opening concert, which will be presented at Bill Lowe Gallery.
Exploring repertoire from the British Isles, the performance will be 7:30 p.m. Sept. 11. Julie Andrijeski, opening her fifth season as artistic director, leads a program of works by Henry Purcell, Matthew Locke and William Lawes.
Featuring local and national musicians playing replicas of the instruments used in the era of Bach and Handel, the ABO gave a first-time concert last season at the Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia. It was well-received by patrons of the ensemble and the nonprofit art space, leading to this season’s launch at another Buckhead gallery.
Tickets: $25 advance, $30 door. 764 Miami Circle, Suite 210, Atlanta. www.atlantabaroque.org.
Georgia Symphony to pick new maestro
The Marietta-based Georgia Symphony Orchestra is in search of a music director, and will introduce three candidates during 2015-2016 concerts.
That season kicks off Sept. 19 with a fundraiser and cocktail party. It continues Oct. 17 with a program of Verdi, Brahms and Beethoven conducted by candidate No. 1, Brian Dollinger, of the Clinton Symphony Orchestra in Iowa.
Timothy Verville, associate conductor of the Boston Chamber Orchestra, will guest on Feb. 20, conducting the music of Marquez, Beethoven and Tchaikovsky.
On April 30, Duilio Dobrin, former music director of the Chamber Orchestra of Connecticut and former resident conductor of the Florida Philharmonic, will close out the GSO season with a performance of Beethoven’s 9th symphony, featuring the GSO Chorus.
The new leader will replace Michael Alexander, who served as the symphony’s music director for 11 years. The former interim director of Kennesaw State University’s school of music left Atlanta to direct the school of music at the University of Northern Colorado.
The Georgia Symphony's calendar includes performances by the Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra, and concerts featuring choral, jazz and pops music. Details: georgiasymphony.org. BO EMERSON
About the Author
