I am very much looking forward to my concerts with the Bainbridge Symphony Orchestra. The concerts (BSO presents “Superheroes and Villains,” April 14-15) are especially special for me because of the collaboration with my talented Bainbridge Island Youth Orchestra.
As I’ve stated in previous interviews, I strongly believe that arts organizations are stronger and more vibrant when we combine forces. The mission of any arts organization in the ever-changing 21st century is to find ways to collaborate and to expand audiences of all organizations. There are so many things that we learn when we collaborate with others, and the learning never stops. There is always a new challenge, new music and new people to collaborate with and learn from no matter how long one has done this.
One of the most memorable experiences for me growing up was playing in the Junior Philharmonic Orchestra of California and sitting side by side with members of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. BSO is an excellent community orchestra and the Bainbridge Island Youth Orchestra musicians are very excited for this opportunity.
The music for this concert is exciting because it includes many pieces that are very familiar to the general public. Music and film have been partners for many decades, and presenting this program is yet another way to reach audiences that might otherwise not attend the standard orchestral music concerts.
Whether you’ve seen these films or not, the melodies, rhythms and harmonies will keep you on the edge of your seat. The program is fun for everyone, with music from “Batman,” “Superman,” “Star Wars,” “Band of Brothers” and more! Also on the program is “Night on Bald Mountain” by the great Russian composer Modest Mussorgsky. He was influential in incorporating Russian folk music elements in his compositions. Young cellist Carson Ling-Efird will be performing movements II and III from the beautiful “Saint-Saëns Cello Concerto No. 1.” The concerto and the “Night on Bald Mountain” were written five years apart. As an audience member you will hear composers from the same time period, coming from different parts of the world, and each with a unique compositional voice.
The concert is not to be missed because it embodies everything we work for as arts organizations and musicians. The concert includes a young and talented cellist, talented young musicians from the BIYO, exciting film music and of course your Bainbridge Symphony Orchestra. I am excited for this collaboration and very much look forward to presenting this concert to the community.
Tigran Arakelyan is one of two finalists vying for the role of music director for the Bainbridge Symphony Orchestra.
“Superheroes and Villains,” April 14-15
BSO Music Director Finalist Tigran Arakelyan leads a program for the entire family. The Bainbridge Island Youth Orchestra will be featured in a side-by-side performance, and the second-place winner of the BSO’s ever-popular Young Artist Competition will perform Movements II and III from “Saint-Säens’ Cello Concerto No. 1 in A Minor, Op.33.” Performances are 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 14 and 3 p.m. Sunday, April 15. Tickets are $21 for adults, and $18 for seniors, students, military and teachers at 206-842-8569 or www.bain bridgeperformingarts.org.
