Pro Musica Youth Chamber Orchestra Returns to the Auditorio Miguel Malo

Pro Musica Youth Chamber Orchestra
Returns to the Auditorio Miguel Malo

Sunday, June 9
12:30 pm

Bellas Artes

by Tim Hazell

The forty-member Pro Musica Youth Chamber Orchestra will perform the second Adagio non Troppo movement from Symphony No. 2 in D major by Johannes Brahms and the first and second movement from the Karelia Suite by Sibelius on Sunday June 9, at 12:30 pm, in the historic Miguel Malo Auditorium on the second floor of Bellas Artes.  The concert will also feature other classical masterworks.  As always, the orchestra brings its distinctive sound and interpretation,, described as “rich and creamy” by a visiting Chicago Symphony board member, archivist and critic, to each selection from the Classical, Romantic and Expressionist periods.

Young professional talents from leading symphony orchestras are full-time members, along with top students from the Celaya Conservatory, Guanajuato and Queretaro University faculties of music.  All have dedicated their energy and commitment to travel for up to three hours a week to attend rehearsals and perform at our Sunday events that have become a tradition for many concert goers.  Their optimism is high this year because of the orchestra’s success in attracting large crowds and our unprecedented donor support.

German composer and virtuoso pianist Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)  is sometimes grouped with Johann Sebastian Bach and Ludwig van Beethoven as one of the “Three Bs” of music.  His very personal approach exerted a deep influence upon his colleges.  Czech composer Antonín Dvorak deeply admired him.  Features of the “Brahms style” were absorbed in a complex synthesis with other nineteenth century trends.

The opening statement of the theme for his Adagio non Troppo movement is presented entirely by the cellos, creating a dark and nebulous tonality.  The bassoons play an ascending counterpoint, supported by horns, violas, and basses.  A second expression begins with the full orchestra, the melody being played by violins and flute.

To close, the strings take over, giving the theme one last transformation to a darker, fragmented version with minor-key hues.  The violas play a line reminiscent of “farewell gestures” while cellos take over the rising counterpoint.  Timpani now introduce emphatic triplets, thumping them as the theme makes one last surge.  At the very end, after the music recedes, clarinets and bassoons join in before the final chords.

Our program for the June 9 performance will include entire overtures such as the powerful Egmont Op. 84 by Beethoven and excerpts from famous symphonies such as the ebullient Allegro Assai movement from Mozart’s Symphony #31 in D major K. 297 “Paris.”  There will be a spirited short introduction by one of our talented quartets who will return to contribute music during the concert’s half-way point.

The Pro Musica Youth Chamber Orchestra are planning an entire 2019 series of free Sunday concerts, in the dramatic performance space of the Auditorio Miguel Malo.  As always, there will be no charge, but voluntary donations are welcome.  Our exciting presentation on Sunday, June 9, will attract returning aficionados and new fans alike.  Come early for a ringside seat!