Sunday, December 8 | 12:00 AM

Movies and Idylls

What inspires a composer to compose? Come experience how film, nostalgic prose, a birthday gift, and Renaissance frescoes inspired Copland, Barber, Wagner and Respighi.

The curtain rises with music from three films scored by Aaron Copland: The City, Our Town and Of Mice and Men. Then The Symphonia performs Samuel Barber's richly textured lyric rhapsody, "Knoxville: Summer of 1915." It is a setting for soprano and orchestra of a text by Pulitzer Prize-winning author James Agee, which offers a nostalgic look at his hometown of Knoxville.

Next up is "Siegfried Idyll," a birthday gift to Cosima Wagner from her famous husband. She was the inspiration for the work and its first audience.

In the final work, we will hear Respighi's musical descriptions bring to life three paintings by the inimitable Sandro Botticelli.

The women in music we celebrate in this program include Cosima Wagner; Venus, the goddess of love; and our remarkable soprano soloist, Robyn Marie Lamp.

PROGRAM NOTES

Program

AARON COPLAND: Music for Movies
SAMUEL BARBER: Knoxville: Summer of 1915
RICHARD WAGNER: Siegfried Idyll
OTTORINO RESPIGHI: Trittico Botticelliano

Donate

Artists

Alastair Willis

Grammy-nominated Alastair Willis maintains a busy guest conducting schedule with major orchestras across the USA and around the world. Currently, he serves as Music Director of the South Bend Symphony Orchestra. A brilliant musician, Mr. Willis is known for his strong podium presence and engaging and attractive personality; his appearances with The Symphonia are audience favorites.

Robyn Marie Lamp

Soprano Robyn Marie Lamp's performances are earning her recognition and roles, from rare Bel Canto gems to world premieres. With a voice described as “robust” and “golden,” she took first place in the prestigious Lois Alba Aria Competition and was a finalist in the South East Region of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions.

Venue