Virginia Symphony Orchestra’s recently announced 2016-2017 Williamsburg Classics season promises Beethoven, Brahms, brass and the British Isles.
The four-concert series kicks off Oct. 27 with Beethoven’s iconic Symphony No. 5. Virginia Symphony alumnus Danny Matsukawa, now Philadelphia Orchestra’s principal bassoon, conducts the program. He will both conduct and play in Mozart’s Bassoon Concerto, and Prokofiev’s Classical Symphony completes the program.
For the holidays, conductor Benjamin Rous will lead the Virginia Symphony’s brass and percussion sections in a program of holiday favorites on Dec. 15.
The new year opens with a themed program on Feb. 23. Rous will conduct the “Intrigue and Idyll” program, featuring Virginia Symphony violinist Yun Zhang as soloist. Brahms’ Serenade No. 1 provides the idyll, while two Mozart works convey intrigue: overture to “The Abduction from Seraglio” and Violin Concerto No. 5, also known as “The Turkish.”
Rous also conducts the symphony’s closing performance on March 9, 2017 in a program of music reminiscent of the British Isles. Arnold’s “Tam O’Shanter,” Britten’s “Suite on English Folk Tunes,” Beethoven’s “Irish Songs” to Haydn’s Symphony No. 1, “The Clock” – these tunes will transport listeners across the pond.
To purchase season subscriptions, starting at $90, call 892-6366 or visit virginiasymphony.org.
Williamsburg Classics season
Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 – 8 p.m., Oct. 27 at Crosswalk Community Church
Holiday Brass – 8 p.m., Dec. 15 at Phi Beta Kappa Hall
Intrigue & Idyll – 8 p.m., Feb. 23 at Crosswalk Community Church
Roots: the British Isles – 8 p.m., March 9 at Phi Beta Kappa Hall
