The Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra’s 35th season continues with a second masterworks concert at the Kimball Theatre Monday and Tuesday celebrating some of the more well-known composers in classical music
“What the audience will notice is the large string section for this concert, ensuring a full and lush sound,” said Carolyn Keurajian, the symphony’s executive director.
Janna Hymes, WSO music director, asked audiences during the 2017-18 season to submit favorite pieces they’d like to have performed as part of the orchestra’s 35th season.
The latest masterworks offering incorporates some of those selections, including Gioachino Rossini’s “Il signor Bruschino” overture and the “Pas de Six” ballet from “William Tell” alongside Gabriel Fauré’s “Masques et Bergamasques, Opus 112.”
“The program includes a lot of sunny spirits and pastorale moods throughout,” said Akemi Takayama, WSO concertmaster.
Takayama said the final piece, Johannes Brahms’ “Symphony No. 2 in D major, Opus 73,” exemplifies this. Brahms wrote the work during a particularly happy and creatively fulfilling time in his life.
“This inspiration flows through the evening and the piece concludes in blazing optimism with a trumpet fanfare,” she said. “I hope everyone will experience the energy within themselves as we conclude the positive evening with an unmistakable climax.”
The WSO’s 35th season also marks Hymes’ last year with the organization, and Keurajian said it’s been an “exciting success” thus far.
The season’s first concert, featuring violinist Stefan Jackiw Sept. 10-11, became the symphony’s second highest grossing masterworks performance in the past six years. The results came second only to season 34’s massive ode to Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 9,” which incorporated more than 200 choral singers alongside the orchestral ensemble.
Keurajian said that momentum continues to build for the second masterworks showcase, with remaining Tuesday tickets rapidly dwindling, in particular. The WSO’s and December Holiday Pops and January Cabaret and Cocktails concerts are also selling well, Keurajian said.
“I would encourage people interested in attending to buy now so you don’t miss your chance to see Janna Hymes’ last season with the WSO,” she said.
Want to go?
The Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra performs 7:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesday at the Kimball Theatre. Tickets are $48-$58 or $10 for students, available at williamsburgsymphony.org.
