Greater Newburgh Symphony Orchestra in concert

Ruthanne Schempf plays Rachmaninoff, world premiere by Peter Bussigel Newburgh — The Greater Newburgh Symphony Orchestra, directed and conducted by Woomyung Choe, will showcase two major talents at 8 p.m. on Saturday, May 13, in the Newburgh Free Academy High School Auditorium at 201 Fullerton Avenue in Newburgh. The “Shacklett Preview” will introduce the music and composers at 7 p.m. The concert will open with a world premiere of “Along the River” by composer Peter Bussigel. Then pianist Ruthanne Schempf will play “Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Opus 43” by Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943), who took the 24th of Paginini’s “Caprices for Solo Violin” and wrote his own 24 variations for piano and orchestra. The result was a fresh treatment, with a score that is dashing, brilliant, romantic, and witty by turns. The Rhapsody became Rachmaninoff’s signature piece, and he performed it often and to great acclaim. Schempf teaches piano, music history, and theory, both privately and on the faculties of SUNY New Paltz and Marist College. She is pianist for the West Point Glee Club, and co-founder of the Hudson Valley Society for Music, which produces an annual BachFest weekend and a series of potluck chamber music concerts. Schempf earned a doctor of musical arts degree in piano while studying under Marc Silverman at the Manhattan School of Music, and with Robert Goldsand and Constance Keene during her master’s program. At Michigan State University, her teacher was 1962 Van Cliburn Competition winner Ralph Votapek. For Bussigel, the inspiration for “Along the River” was found on train rides from New York City to Newburgh, a journey where, he says, “rolling hills shelter historic towns and cities that often date back from before the Revolutionary War.” Bussigel found Newburgh the most impressive. “One still sees a stunning and prosperous town, architecturally proud and beautifully situated on the banks of the magnificent Hudson.” This work for orchestra is “about the contrast between the natural beauty of the Hudson Valley and the skeleton of a city, still beautiful, but seemingly in need of the inspiration that surrounds it.” Although Bussigel predominantly composes for the concert hall, he has written music for feature films, rock bands, sitcoms, and mixed media projects. An active performer on both trumpet and guitar, he has appeared with the New York All-State Orchestra and the All Eastern Wind Ensemble. The evening will conclude with “Symphony No. 2 in E minor, Opus 27,” a work that Rachmaninoff completed during a three year sabbatical in Dresden. He conducted its Moscow premiere, shortly before embarking on a 1909 concert tour in America in the double role of pianist and conductor. Tickets are $25 for reserved seats, $20 for general admission, $15 for seniors, $10 for students, and children under seven free of charge. To reserve, call 562-1800, or purchase at the door. For more information, visit www.newburghsymphony.org.