Valdosta Symphony Orchestra Introduces Music Lovers to ‘New Frontiers’

VALDOSTA — The Valdosta Symphony Orchestra will continue its celebration of 23 years of “sublime music” by introducing audiences to “New Frontiers” at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 17. The concert will be held in Valdosta State University’s Whitehead Auditorium.

The evening will feature four pieces of music — each pointing to a new path in one way or another — beginning with Jennifer Higdon’s “String.”

“Jennifer Higdon is one of the most successful living composers,” Dr. Howard Hsu, Valdosta Symphony Orchestra music director, explained, “and her style of music is engaging, approachable, and intelligent. Some audiences fear ‘modern’ works, but Higdon demonstrates that modern music can be thoughtful, challenging, and still be enjoyable.”

The evening will continue with Robert Schumann’s Konzertstück for Four Horns and Orchestra, op. 86. This piece, composed for a newer model of French honor, will feature a special performance by Kristen Johns, principal horn of the Valdosta Symphony Orchestra, Bernhard Scully, former principal horn of the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, Joseph Gill, a VSU Department of Music alumnus, and Paul Basler, distinguished performer, pedagogue, and composer.

“Orchestral works often have four horns,” Hsu noted, “but very rarely are they the featured soloists. Schumann’s Concertpiece (Konzertstück) is extremely difficult and definitely gives the soloists a vigorous workout. But besides allowing the players to demonstrate great virtuosity, the music can also be very expressive and romantic. It’s an incredibly exciting work that will thrill our audience.”

The evening will conclude with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Symphony No. 25 in G Minor, K. 183, the composer’s first mature, serious symphony. It was featured in the movie “Amadeus.”

“It’s more dramatic, and he works with musical material on a larger scale, pointing to his later symphonic masterpieces,” Hsu said.

Individual tickets for the concert are $25 each. Reservations are required.

Saturday’s concert is sponsored by Stifel Nicolaus.

A special youth concert featuring Johns, Scully, Basler, and Gill on horn will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 16. It is sponsored by the Valdosta Junior Service League and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Whitehead Auditorium is located on the first floor of VSU’s Fine Arts Building, on the corner of Brookwood Drive and Oak Street.

Visit www.valdostasymphony.org or call VSU’s College of Arts Outreach Office at (229) 333-2150 to reserve tickets or learn more.