Lush and exotic notes are lilting on the fresh spring air, and they are coming from Boulder Symphony, rehearsing for upcoming concerts on April 29 and May 1. Boulder Symphony, around 70 members strong, is Boulder’s community orchestra. Though with the preponderance of musical talent in Boulder, “community” should never be mistaken for “amateurish.”
Devin Patrick Hughes, musical director for Boulder Symphony, will be conducting the orchestra in “Transcending Cultural Compasses,” the exciting finale of the Symphony’s season. Included in the concert is the WORLD PREMIERE of “Song of the Untouchable,” written by Boulder resident, Gregory T.S. Walker, for Electric Violin and Chamber Orchestra. Let us pause here.
Yes, Electric Violin. This writer had never heard nor heard of the Electric Violin and is keen to do so. Does it sizzle? Add little lightening –like jolts to the high notes? Is the violin itself untouchable? These are things we must attend the concert in order to ascertain. Mr. Walker himself will be playing the electric violin and he has collaborated closely with Chuck Fryberger, noted local filmmaker, in the making of the film by the same name, “Song of the Untouchable,” to be released internationally in the summer/fall of this year.
The inspiration for “Song of the Untouchable” was Walker’s recent journey through Kerala, in Southern India. Elements of Indian Carnatic music mingle with Walker’s own classical Western music training. During this portion of the concert, projected imagery from Walker’s sojourn will be shown over the orchestra. (Carnatic music is considered one of the oldest systems of music in the world and is based on a complex system of melodic and rhythmic cycles.)
And there is yet another WORLD PREMIERE on the playlist for this concert, this one written by Boulder Symphony Composer in Residence, Colin Thurmond. Titled “Concierto de Pampas,” Mr. Thurmond wrote this piece for Guitar, Percussion, and Orchestra, and he will be playing the guitar for this performance. Percussionist Rich Chwastiak, the only visiting artist of the ensemble, will play as well. The program progresses to Arturo Marquez’ “Danzón No. 2.” Danzón, if you’ve not heard the term before, refers to contemporary Mexican music literature that expresses and reflects on a dance style called Danzón, which has its origins in Cuba but is a very important part of the folklore of the Mexican state of Veracruz. The program concludes with the always thrilling, mysterious “Scheherazade,” by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov.
“Journeying from Russia to Latin America all the way literally into the heart of India, we explore the meaning of music and the place it holds in all different cultures, and how all music has a power and utopian form that can unite those from all walks of life,” notes the Boulder Symphony website about this finale of their season.
These two concerts promise to be exciting and spiritually uplifting. Details on the performances of “Transcending Cultural Compasses” are below. There are riches of interesting reading about these composers, artists, and more on the website for Boulder Symphony.
Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors, and may be purchased at the door or in advance by calling 970.577.1550.
Friday April 29, 2011 at 7:30 PM at the Kenneth King Center for the Performing Arts, Denver
Sunday May 1, 2011 at 2:00 PM at First Presbyterian Church, Boulder
* Gregory T.S. Walker: Song of the Untouchable for Electric Violin (World Premiere)
* Colin Thurmond: Concierto de Pampas for Guitar & Percussion (World Premiere)
* Arturo Marquez: Danzón No. 2
* Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade
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