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On Saturday, November 21, 7:30pm at the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center, the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra presents Paulus, Rachmaninoff & Beethoven, featuring interantionally acclaimed pianist Anne-Marie McDermott performing Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini.The program also includes Stephen Paulus’s Sea Portraits, originally commissioned by the NBSO for our 90th anniversary and accompanied by a visual media presentation by John Robson, and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7. For more concert information, including ticket pricing and purchasing, visit www.nbsymphony.org.
Concert Q&A with Maestro MacKenzie
We asked NBSO Music Director and Conductor Dr. David MacKenzie a few questions about the upcoming Paulus, Rachmaninoff & Beethoven concert.
Why did you choose this music?
All three works, while distinctly different in tone, are celebrations in their own ways: The Paulus was commissioned to celebrate the 90th Anniversary of the NBSO, and to celebrate the heritage of the sea in the life of the community. Its place in the Centennial season recaptures and enhances those purposes with the addition of spectacular visual imagery from media artist John Robson commissioned especially for this performance. Beethoven’s iconic Symphony No. 7 has been described as “the Apotheosis of the dance.” Each movement celebrates the inherent “moving-ness” of music exemplified by dance. The first movement is a “Gigue”, the second a “Pavane” the third a lightning fast scherzo based on the “Minuet” (don’t try to dance to this one though!) and the fourth, though the hardest to classify as a dance is bursting with exuberant, almost adolescent energy looking for an outlet. Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini celebrates the virtuosity of a great violinist through virtuosic piano-playing and orchestrational genius. Time to celebrate!
What makes this concert special?
Obviously we are excited to bring Anne-Marie McDermott to our stage for the first time. A truly world-class artist, she is renowned for her sensitive artistry and passionate performances. This will mark the first time the Rhapsody has been performed by the NBSO. We are also extremely pleased to be collaborating with John Robson in the multi-media presentation of Stephen Paulus’s Sea Portraits.
How did you choose Anne-Marie McDermott for this concert?
I have followed Ms. McDermott’s career for many years, especially her work with Chamber Music from Lincoln Center, and appreciate her dedication to the works of two of my favorite composers: Dmitri Shostakovich and Sergei Prokofiev. I have tried to engage her a couple of times but the stars never aligned—until now. I’m very much looking forward to this!
