The Ukiah Symphony Presents Enchanting Winter Concert

As the year-end festivities approach and our lives get increasingly hectic, a splendid opportunity awaits music lovers looking for a relaxing escape. The Ukiah Symphony invites you to immerse yourself in a serene musical experience with its upcoming Winter Concert, drawing heavily on the romance and warmth of the Romantic era.

An Enchanting String-Driven Performance

Highlighting the strings, the orchestra will grace the stage at the Mendocino College Center for Visual and Performing Arts. Showtimes are on Saturday, Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 3 at 2 p.m., located at 1000 Hensley Creek Road, Ukiah. Patrons can expect a breathtaking evening or afternoon amid melodious strains.

Musical Prodigy Joins the Symphony

Joining the symphony for the second part of the concert is local pianist Elizabeth MacDougall, renowned for her exceptional talent. Moreover, Music Director Phillip Lenberg will provide insightful pre-concert talks, beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday, to enhance the audience's experience.

A Mix of Baroque, Classic and Romantic Influences

The concert's repertoire began with W.F. Bach, son of Johann Sebastian, who introduced a blend of Baroque and Classical styles with a unique twist. Exploring such lesser-known compositions reflects Lenberg's intent to offer engaging and exploratory musical experiences. The performance also includes pieces by notable contemporaries such as Florence Price, Sergei Bortkiewicz, Ernest Bloch, and Edward Elgar, bridging the 19th to 20th century and weaving a tapestry of emotive and evocative sounds.

Composers Reflecting Their Times

While differing in their origins, all the featured composers faced challenges like shifting musical trends, wars, and for some, persecution. Still, their contributions to the musical landscape were profound, with Price gaining recognition alongside greats like Copland and Gershwin, and Bortkiewicz's work embodying the spirit of Vienna. Meanwhile, Bloch’s compositions advise contemplation, and Elgar's works evoke nostalgia and comfort.

A Respite for the Winter Soul

The concert promises not just a musical reprieve but a journey that soothes the soul, perfect during the bustling holiday season. Audiences can expect to leave feeling prepared to revel in the simple pleasures of life, like sipping a warm drink by the fireside.

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