Melodies and Mallets

Sinfonia’s principal musicians are also superior soloists, and tonight’s featured performers are no exceptions. The first half of the program opens with sweet, playful melodies by Arnold Bax in his Three Pieces for Small Orchestra, written with the Irish countryside in mind. Sinfonia’s principal bassoonist Henry Skolnick steps to the front of the stage for Weber’s Hungarian Fantasy, a charming work that is sure to be an audience favorite. Following intermission, principal musician William Moersch exchanges his usual timpani mallets for something even more striking—the Concerto for Marimba and Orchestra by Anders Koppel. Rounding out the evening is Schubert’s Symphony No. 5, chosen for this program because of its rich melodies and complex orchestral textures.

Bax: Three Pieces for Small Orchestra
Weber: Hungarian Fantasy for Bassoon and Orchestra
Koppel: Concerto for Marimba and Orchestra
Schubert: Symphony No. 5

This performance will last approximately one hour and 45 minutes including a 20-minute intermission.