The North State Symphony returns to the stage with a classical concert of Mozart, Brahms and Sibelius on Feb. 27 in Redding and 28 in Chico. Under their new conductor, Scott Seaton, the symphony will also be joined by solo violinist Andrew Sords.
According to Seaton, “for the musicians and myself, playing these wonderful melodies is like a return to our roots. In their different ways, these composers all represent the best of orchestral music. The music is timeless, moving and impressive.”
Mozart’s overture to the opera “The Magic Flute” will open the concerts, followed by soloist Sords in a performance of the “Violin Concerto” by Jean Sibelius. Sibelius is the national composer of Finland, and his music is often said to capture the rugged beauty and energy of that far-northern land.
The concert will conclude with the “Second Symphony” by Johannes Brahms. In contrast with the Sibelius work, the “Second Symphony” represents Brahms at his most mellow and sunny.
As is always the case with NSS concerts, Seaton will lead an informal talk in each city one hour before the concert. The talks are free to ticket-holders.
The Redding concert is sponsored by Sally Wells; conductor sponsors are Rose Crain and Vern McHaney; and guest artist sponsors are Don and Heidi Weidlein and Tom and Gretchen Stone. In Chico, Stifel Financial sponsors the concerts, with Walter and Dawn Kusumoto sponsoring the conductor.
For more information, visit www.northstatesymphony.org. Tickets are available at the Cascade Theatre, 530-243-8877, and the University Box office, 530-898-6333.
