Central Oregon Symphony

Spring 2008 Concert Details

The Symphonie Espagnole: intended by its composer to soar “above the rigid form of an old symphony,” this five-movement work for violin and orchestra truly transforms the traditional concerto into an exotic showcase of virtuosity. Beloved by violinists, music lovers and “hispanophiles” alike, the piece will be played by Linda Wang, one of the premier violinists of our time, consistantly praised for her artistry, her warm, singing tone, and her charismatic performances.

As for Scheherazade: orchestras love to play it because it features nearly every instrument in some solo capacity - letting the principals within each section shine within the context of a richly textured orchestral tapestry. And audiences love to listen to this classic work, as it evokes those familiar adventures told by the clever, nocturnal storyteller herself, Scheherazade, who spun her tales of shipwrecks and love over a thousand and one nights, always avoiding imminent death by promising her captor that better stories were still to come.

Saturday, May 3, 2008, 7:30 pm
Sunday, May 4, 2008, 2 pm
Monday, May 5, 2008, 7:30 pm

Michael Gesme, Conductor
Linda Wang, Violin Soloist

Symphonie Espagnole...................................Edouard Lalo
Scheherazade ......................... Nicolai Rimsky-Korsakov

**For more information about Linda Wang, please visit her website at www.lindawang.com