Symphony to perform Sunday at high school in Newburgh
Newburgh The Greater Newburgh Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Woomyung Choe, will present a packed concert for the entire family on Sunday, Jan. 13, at 3 p.m. in the Newburgh Free Academy High School Auditorium on Fullerton Avenue. Musicologist Peter Muir will act as commentator. Featured are percussionist Christopher Clarino, an 18-year-old Newburgh native, performing Mackey’s Concerto for Solo Percussion with Orchestra and international pianist and recording artist Peter Muir performing Rhapsody in Blue for Piano and Orchestra. This concert, along with the entire GNSO season, is dedicated to Founding President George Handler. [The snow date is Sunday, Jan. 20 at 3 p.m.] The program begins with the William Tell Overture by Gioacchino Rossini, and will also include Chabrier’s Espa-a, and a Concerto for Solo Percussion with Orchestra performed by Christopher Clarino. The concerto, by 34-year-old Ohioan John Mackey, premiered in 2000 at Carnegie Hall, has two movements: “Groove” and “Steady Rock.” After intermission, GNSO resumes with “On the Trail” from the Grand Canyon Suite by Ferde Grofé. A donkey ride through the Grand Canyon gorge is portrayed, complete with jumping over obstacles and a race for the finish-line. Grofé orchestrated Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, next on the program. Muir is a versatile international pianist and recording artist. His recent appearances in America include the Scott Joplin Ragtime Festival and the W. C. Handy Festival at City University of New York. Concerts and broadcasts abroad include appearances in Hong Kong, Australia, and Britain. Concluding GNSO’s presentation is the traditional Christmas ballet, The Nutcracker Suite, Opus 71, by Tchaikovsky. The Shacklett Preview at 2 p.m. is a pre-concert introduction to the music by Gordon Shacklett. Ticket prices are $25 for reserved seating, $20 for general admission, $15 for seniors, $10 for students, and children under seven are admitted free of charge. Tickets may be purchased at the door or reserved. Call 913-7157 or visit www.newburghsymphony.org.