Page 18 - The Phil Opening Night program

PROGRAM NOTES

In planning the start of our 30th season together, I knew this particular Opening Night
program needs to convey to you the true, unharnessed power of a live symphony orchestra
experience. Considering the music choices we have made, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed!

Our program begins with a short sonic ‘sparkler’ that sizzles from its very first outburst. We
then move to heartachingly-beautiful ballet music inspired by a Shakespearean tragedy which,
we learn upon reading poll results from our musicians, is a symphonic score they very-much wish
to perform. Our program concludes with actors and musicians coming together to present, in a
brilliant and epic way, stories of hope and new beginnings. Enjoy!
-- Steven Karidoyanes

NANCY GALBRAITH (b. 1951)
A Festive Violet Pulse

Commissioned by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra to welcome its incoming
Latvian music director, Mariss Jansons, A Festive Violet Pulse (1997) by Nancy
Galbraith is a lively, whimsical mix of textures and sounds. The piece begins with
a melody established by dynamic, layered woodwinds. This develops into a woven
string texture full of driving rhythms and orchestral contrasts (including dramatic
tremulos in the celli). Exciting percussive phrases climax with the trumpets and
violins restating the opening theme. This three-minute showpiece is animated,
feisty, and celebratory. [My first introduction to Galbraith’s music was when we
performed her wonderful Midnight Stirring last year. I have been exploring her music
ever since! – sk]

Nancy Galbraith is Chair of Composition at the Carnegie Mellon University School
of Music (Pittsburgh, PA). Born in 1951, Galbraith studied music at Ohio, West
Virginia, and CMU. While she has made major contributions to the repertoires
of orchestras, chamber ensembles (especially featuring flute and electric flute),
and concert choirs (albums of sacred music such as Lumen Christi and a moving
Requiem), she is most known for her contributions to wind ensemble playing.
Mariss Jansons (1943-2019) was born in Soviet-occupied Latvia and trained at the
Saint Petersburg Conservatory; he was renowned for his interpretations of Mahler
and Richard Strauss, leading the Pittsburgh Symphony (1997-2004) and the Royal
Concertgebouw Orchestra (2004-2015).

— Program Note by Joanna Liu

c
a
hestr
Plymouth Philharmonic Or
16 Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra
16