As the Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra turns 35 with the start of its latest season in September, it’s a bittersweet symphony of emotions. The season’s repertoire celebrates fan favorite compositions with the help of talented guest artists.
It also marks Janna Hymes’ final turn as music director after 15 years with the ensemble.
“She really is responsible for the level the orchestra has risen to, there’s no question,” said Carolyn Keurajian, WSO executive director. “The good news is that the musicians are not going anywhere.”
During the previous season, Hymes engaged audience members by asking them to vote for their favorite music to be featured throughout 2018-19.
The first masterworks concert Sept. 10-11 features Beethoven’s “Violin Concerto in D major, Opus 6” as an audience pick.
“I was delighted that it’s one of the pieces,” Hymes said. “It’s very open. It’s very obvious. Everybody knows it and it’s very clear, but it’s also technically very difficult.”
She said it’s one of the hardest violin concertos to perform — making it the perfect way to showcase guest artist Stefan Jackiw’s prowess with the instrument.
“He’s just a superb technician and his artistry is just amazing,” Hymes said.
The concert also includes Mozart’s “Overture to the Marriage of Figaro” and Shubert’s “Symphony No. 3 in D major.”
“I always like to open with a soloist, and I always like to open with a really fun concert where the orchestra just sounds fun and bubbly,” Hymes said.
A season of celebration
The season continues Oct. 29-30 with William Tell’s “Pas de Six,” Gioachino Rossini’s overture to “Il Signor Bruschino” and Hymes’ favorite Brahms symphony, his second.
The Holiday Pops concert returns Dec. 1-2, this time at Williamsburg Presbyterian Church. For the first time, the orchestra will team up with choirs from Bruton Parish and Williamsburg Presbyterian for a bigger-than-ever take on the annual tradition.
The WSO also secured a venue for the return of its Cabarets and Cocktails concert, which will return to the Williamsburg Lodge with guest artist, jazz singer and pianist Tony DeSare.
“It’s become such a popular concert,” Keurajian said, noting that it has sold out four years in a row.
The third masterworks concert, featuring guest artist Sterling Elliot on cello, incorporates Adam Schoenberg’s “Go,” Tchaikovsky’s “Variations on a Rococo Theme” and other pieces March 3-4. The fourth such concert runs April 9, spanning “An Outdoor Overture” by Copland, “Symphony No. 6” by Tchaikovsky and “Capriccio Espagnol” by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov.
The season concludes May 21-22 with violinist Tessa Lark, featuring “Love Letter” by Lark’s boyfriend, Michael Thurber, incorporating bluegrass and jazz influences. The finale also features music by Mozart, Jules Massenet and more.
Hymes didn’t plan the season’s repertoire with the knowledge that she’d be leaving; It’s not a farewell-themed lineup. But after serving the WSO for nearly half its existence, she said it was a logical time for transition.
“I think it’s going to be a good thing for the orchestra. It’s just a natural process. But it’s a positive thing,” she said. “I’m just so proud to have contributed to its growth. The artistic quality is at a much higher level.”
The WSO is in search of a successor. Chosen candidates will conduct concerts during the 2019-20 season.
Hymes will continue to serve as music director for the Carmel Symphony Orchestra in Indiana and as a guest conductor when opportunities arise. But Williamsburg will retain a special place in her heart for the Maine resident.
“I always felt like Williamsburg was a home away from home,” Hymes said. “Our orchestra is an amazing orchestra, and we can’t let that stop. I think we’re an important part of the community.”
Want to go?
The WSO’s 35th season kicks off with a masterworks concert 7:30 p.m. Sept. 10-11 at the Kimball Theatre. Tickets are $48-58 and $20 for students. For tickets and more info on the full season, visit williamsburgsymphony.org or call 229-9857.
