Thu,
11/02/2023 – 01:52pm | By: Mike Lopinto
In the next stop of their exciting season of performances, The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) Symphony Orchestra transports audiences to 18th century Western Europe in “Voyages: Vienna to Venice” on Tuesday, Nov. 7 at 7:30
p.m. in Bennett Auditorium on the Hattiesburg campus.
Under the direction of Dr. Michael Miles, the orchestra will present masterworks from
beloved composers Antonio Vivaldi, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Niccolò Paganini.
Tickets are available exclusively at usm.edu/symphony.
The first stop of the evening is Venice, Italy, where esteemed composer Antonio Vivaldi
lived and worked. His “Concerto for Trumpet and Strings in C Major” features sections of dramatic dialogue and contrasting slow movements.
“The Vivaldi has a fanfare like quality that our audience will love, and will set
the tone for the entire concert,” said Miles.
To perform this piece, the Symphony welcomes guest artists Chris Moore, professor
of trumpet at Florida State University and life-long friend of Dr. Miles, and Brian
Walker, a former student of Miles and current professor of music at Tarleton State
University.
The orchestra then musically travels to Vienna, Austria, the final home of Wolfgang
Amadeus Mozart. Arguably the greatest composer of Western music, his “Symphony No. 35 in G major, K. 385,” highlights his ability to write deeply moving
melodies and rich harmonies that are easily recognizable by audiences all over the
world.
“It is the most dynamic and expressive of all the Mozart Symphonies,” Miles continued.
“I think our audiences will be surprised by how much they enjoy this piece.”
The orchestra will be joined by William T. Gower Competition winner Claudio Palazzi
on flute. From Alatri, Italy, Palazzi is in his first year at The University of Southern
Mississippi where he is pursuing a Master’s degree in flute performance with Dr. Danilo
Mezzadri.
The final stop of the evening is Genoa and Parma, Italy where the most famous violin
virtuoso, Niccolò Paganini, was born and then moved to study music. The piece, “Nine Variants on Paganini for Double Bass and Orchestra” is based of Paganini’s “24th Violin Caprice” and was written by Frank Proto, considered to be one of the best
double-bass performers and composers of our time.
In a rare North American appearance, Proto will be in residence at the School of Music
and in attendance at the concert. Performing with the orchestra is Southern Miss professor
of bass, Dr. Marcos Marchado. The demanding concerto will showcase his sensitive lyricism
and virtuosic technique in this entertaining conclusion to the musical voyage.
Visit USM Symphony Orchestra for more information.
