Conductor Emily Freeman Brown and the BG Philharmonia in concert
BG Philharmonia begins yearlong centennial celebration
One hundred is a notable anniversary, and the BG Philharmonia is celebrating this important milestone with a year of special events during 2018-19.
Large concerts in December and May in Kobacker Hall are the premier events, and every concert throughout the season will feature something special. Under the direction of Dr. Emily Freeman Brown, the Philharmonia will welcome back alumni members and host guest artists. Talented young musicians from BGSU and local schools will join in some of the performances. And four performances will feature a “birthday” composition — three in the fall and one in the spring.
“This is the beginning of a great year,” said Brown, director of orchestral activities. “I have a terrific group of freshmen and new people. The spirit, the mood, the enthusiasm and the energy are incredible.”
The season begins at 8 p.m. Saturday (Sept. 22) with guest artist Mingwei Zhao on cello, in conjunction with the annual High School Honors String Festival. On the program will be two pieces by Elgar, his “Enigma Variations” and Cello Concerto. Marking the start of the anniversary year, the Philharmonia will play American composer Bruce Roter’s “A Birthday Celebration.”
The performance will begin at 8 p.m. in Kobacker Hall at Moore Musical Arts Center. Advance tickets are $3 for students and $7 for adults. All tickets the day of the performance are $10. Tickets are available online at bgsu.edu/arts or by calling 419-372-8171.
Roter’s composition is one of four pieces by 20th-century composers chosen by Brown to commemorate the anniversary year. During the 39th annual New Music and Art Festival in October, the Philharmonia will premiere Martin Kennedy’s “Theme and Variations” for trombone in a new version for orchestra.
The Dec. 2 gala concert will feature the return of Bowling Green native Zachary DePue, a well-known violinist who is part of a musical BGSU family. His visit holds special meaning for Brown, who was his conductor when he became the winner of the Young Artist Competition as a Bowling Green High School student. The centennial concert features DePue in Shostakovich’s “Violin Concerto No. 1” and Stravinsky’s “Petrouchka.”
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