Jun 28, 2017

2017 SEASON STAFF PICKS: PART TWO

June 30: Dallas Symphony Orchestra | Mendelssohn & Prokofiev 

World Premiere - Roberto Sierra
I am very excited to hear the world premiere of Roberto Sierra’s New Work commissioned by Bravo and performed by Dallas Symphony Orchestra. Roberto Sierra, a Puerto Rican native, composes many of his works with a Latin flair. I’ll be listening closely to see what Latin elements I can pick out, and enjoying hearing brand new music.
– Monica White, VP of Finance and HR 

Mendelssohn Violin Concerto
Mendelssohn Violin Concerto was the piece that I studied and performed to audition for conservatory programs in high school so it holds a special place in my heart. Simone Lamsma is one of the young artists emerging as one of the greats and I'm excited to hear her performance of this piece – some would argue that this piece is over played but I would note how interesting it can be to hear different violinists' interpretations of the same music.
- Keelin Davis, Education Manager

Prokofiev Symphony No. 5 
Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 5 has been a favorite of mine since I was a music major at the University of North Texas. It’s melodic, complex and exciting all at once. I can’t wait to hear Jaap van Zweden’s interpretation of this piece and to feel the energy of the last few minutes with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra! 
- Jennifer Teisinger, Executive Director

July 1: Dallas Symphony Orchestra | Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring

Growing up as a dancer, music meant for the ballet has always captivated me. I remember first hearing The Rite of Spring and watching a recording of the original Ballet Russes choreography as a child and being shocked that it was ‘ballet.’ I had only ever seen classic romantic ballets, and this was just so different. It is easy to see why the 1913 premiere almost erupted in a riot! This piece is such an important part of the early 20th century modernism and left an indelible mark on jazz, art, minimalism, and other contemporary movements. I can’t wait to experience this live.
- Megan Roepke, Marketing Coordinator 

July 5: Dallas Symphony Orchestra | Return to the Cotton Club 

I'm excited to take a little break from our normal routine and swing back to the 30s and 40s for the Return to the Cotton Club concert. With trumpet, vocals, drums, and even a tap dancer, the music of some of my favorite jazz and blues musicians will really come to life in the Amphitheater. I can't wait to step back in time and experience the feeling of a being in a speakeasy on a New York City night during the Prohibition! 
- Beth Pantzer, Database Manager

July 7: The Philadelphia Orchestra | Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto

If someone were to ask me, “What is your favorite Violin concerto?” the answer, without hesitation is Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto. This piece has the ability to move you to a different place. As the violinist plays the iconic notes on the page, it’s as if they are painting colors on a canvas. Despite the intensity of the music, there is always that feeling of lightness. This is the concertos of all concertos, and I can’t wait to hear it!
- Courtney Block, Box Office Associate 

Check back for Part Three of the 2017 Season Staff Picks!