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We are excited to start the season off with a powerful tribute to one of the greatest composers of all time.

We begin this evening's concert with renowned American composer, Jennifer Higdon. Written in 1999, Blue Cathedral was commissioned for the 75th anniversary of the Curtis Institute. Titles of musical compositions are often—most often it can seem—misleading, but this one is singularly apt. Cast in a single short movement of lush, soothing cascades of orchestra sound, the over-used descriptor, “shimmering,” is more than apropos in this case. Imaginative scoring for strings and delicate percussion—including exotic bells and water glasses—are the foundation for an evocation of the atmosphere of the title. Short motives from various wind instruments provide aphoristic commentaries throughout, but generally without what would call “tunes.” The whole weft of sound seems to gently and constantly float upward without having to start all over at the “bottom.” It’s a remarkable and sensual musical experience, and justly deserves its popularity as perhaps the composer’s most performed composition.

Join the Newport Symphony in our annual celebration of Baroque music. Featuring the stunning talents of Hannah Brewer on the wonderful Bond Organ at First Presbyterian Church and our own Concertmaster, Casey Bozell, this is a not to be missed opportunity. Celebrate the season in our coastal home with the music of the Baroque masters as well as seasonal favorites.

This unparalleled concert event starts with Spanish Dance No. 1 by de Falla from his opera, La vida breve or "Life is Short". The opera tells the story of Salud, a gypsy girl who is passionately in love with a wealthy man named Paco. He is engaged to be married to someone else and has kept this secret from her. Once the truth is known, Salud and her uncle crash the wedding party and confront the man and his new bride. Paco rejects Salud and in grand opera fashion, she dies of broken heart and collapses at his feet. We promise, the Spanish Dance No. 1 his a happy rollicking event that will absolutely please your ears.

A concert like none other! Maestro Adam Flatt welcomes performance poet Frank Oden to share the stage with the Newport Symphony Orchestra!