Composer

The British composer Edward Elgar said “There is music in the air, music all around us, the world is full of it and you simply take as much as you require.” Composers can find the inspiration for their creativity from many different sources, including other composers. This concert pairs three composers with their composer muses.

Composers and their Muses

The First United Methodist Church of Greenwich

Our 51st season begins with a thrilling program that spotlights the genius of three masters. Ligeti’s enchanting Six Bagatelles is a playful excursion through the wide range of delights only a wind quintet can offer, and Beethoven’s landmark Sonata for Cello and Piano, Op. 69, revels in the virtuosic demands placed on both the piano and cello, played here by Zoltán Fejérvári and, in his Festival debut, Narek Hakhnazaryan, whose performances the San Francisco Chronicle hailed as “nothing short of magnificent.” The program comes to a spectacular close with Mendelssohn’s superlative D Minor Piano Trio, which Schumann called “the master trio of our time.” 

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Beethoven, Ligeti & Mendelssohn

New Mexico Museum of Art

This concert unites the poignant Mendelssohn siblings’ works—Fanny’s unduly neglected remarkable work and Felix’s stirring String Quartet, a reaction to her early passing—with compositions by artists silenced or oppressed during WWII. It embodies the spirit of perseverance and the unbreakable will of the human spirit through music.

Resilience

Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center

Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of classical music with "Serenades" at the Waterperry Opera Festival, set against the picturesque backdrop of Waterperry Gardens. This unique event, taking place on the 16th and 18th of August 2024, offers a daytime concert experience designed to welcome everyone, including those with learning disabilities, access requirements, or young families. Breaking away from the constraints of traditional theatre etiquette, Serenades invites its audience to enjoy performances in a relaxed, comfortable setting within the Garden Glade from 2pm to approximately 3pm.

Featuring the enchanting compositions of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, such as the Divertimento in D and Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, alongside Fanny Mendelssohn's String Quartet in E-Flat Major, the event promises a tranquil escape into the world of classical music. The performances are curated to provide an accessible and laid-back atmosphere, ensuring a warm and welcoming experience for all attendees.

In addition to the musical feast, ticket holders will be granted free access to the gardens, allowing for a perfect blend of music and nature. This initiative not only showcases the festival's commitment to inclusivity but also enhances the overall experience by connecting attendees with the surrounding beauty of Waterperry Gardens.

General booking for Serenades opens on the 11th of April, with priority booking available for festival supporters. This event is a must-attend for anyone looking to enjoy classical music in a relaxed setting, promising an afternoon of delightful melodies and peaceful garden vistas.

Serenades

Waterperry Gardens

Join us for an unforgettable evening as the Des Moines Symphony presents its Season Finale: Pines of Rome, under the baton of the esteemed Maestro Joseph Giunta. This spectacular concert will take place at the Des Moines Civic Center with performances on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 7:30 PM, and a matinee on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at 2:30 PM.

The evening promises to be a journey through the vibrant landscapes of Italy, beginning with Mendelssohn-Hensel’s lively Overture in C Major. The adventure continues with Mendelssohn’s Italian Symphony, capturing the essence of Italy's bustling streets and serene landscapes. The talented George Li will then take the stage, performing Saint-Saëns’ Second Piano Concerto, a piece that dazzles with its virtuosity and emotional depth. The finale of the concert, Respighi’s Pines of Rome, promises to be a breathtaking experience, with its evocative melodies and powerful brass sections that will fill the Civic Center with the majestic sounds of Rome.

Maestro Joseph Giunta, celebrated for his dynamic conducting and innovative programming, will lead the orchestra through this exhilarating program. His distinguished career and passionate interpretations of both traditional and new music have made him one of the most respected conductors in the United States.

Ticket prices range from $20 to $80, with half-price tickets available for students. The concert will last approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes, including one intermission. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the magic of the Des Moines Symphony’s Season Finale: Pines of Rome. It’s a musical journey that promises to be as enchanting as the Eternal City itself.

Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel

Composer

Events

May 19, 2024

Composers and their Muses · Orchestra LUMOS

Jul 14, 2024

Beethoven, Ligeti & Mendelssohn · Santa Fe Chamber Music festival

Aug 3, 2024

Resilience · La Jolla Music Society

16 - 18 Aug, 2024

Serenades · Waterperry Opera Festival

17 - 18 May, 2025

Season Finale: Pines of Rome · Des Moines Symphony

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