Coastal Symphony of Georgia Winter Concert

For the Coastal Symphony of Georgia's Winter concert, Music Director and Conductor Michelle Merrill brings us music from a youthful Britten, a melancholy Mozart, and a renowned viola soloist playing a joyous piece Johan Hugosson and a work by Arvo Part.

Concert notes:

Violist Brett Deubner

The concert begins with the youthful exuberance of Benjamin Britten’s Simple Symphony (1933). Based on eight themes, two per movement, the music uses bits of scores he had written for piano as a teenager. Just 20 when he completed the symphony, Britten gives us a Boisterous Bourrée, a Playful Pizzicato, a Sentimental Sarabande, and a Frolicsome Finale. Prepare to be delighted! Johan Hugosson’s Samarthana for Viola and Orchestra (2021) follows. The young, Swedish composer has been described as “a national treasure” whose music is known for memorable melodies, both moving and joyful. International violist Brett Deubner will join the orchestra for this piece, as well as Arvo Part’s Fratres for Viola, Percussion and Strings (1977/1991.) This work uses the tintinnabuli principle: not one but two melody voices a tenth apart, plus a third fill-in voice in the middle resulting in a rather meditative effect. One of Mozart’s most frequently performed and greatly admired works, Symphony No, 40, closes the concert. Listen for the recognizable melody in the first movement and the resounding, swiftly ascending passage in the fourth. This is Mozart in a more serious mood, and it is only one of two symphonies he wrote in the minor key.

The mission of The Coastal Symphony of Georgia is to engage, enrich, and inspire the community through artistically vibrant musical performances. For more information or to order season tickets, call 912.634.2006 or visit coastalsymphonyofgeorgia.org.