If you are looking for an exciting and inspiring musical experience this weekend, look no further than Memorial Chapel. The chamber orchestra is holding its first spring concert this Saturday, March 5, at 8 p.m. Part of the orchestra played in the recent performances of the opera “Hansel and Gretel,” and part will perform in the upcoming orchestra concert.
Saturday’s performance will be a chamber concert with 45-50 musicians rather than the full orchestra. The chamber orchestra will be performing three different pieces: Mozart’s Symphony No. 38, also known as the “Prague” symphony, “Fantasia for Saxophone” by Villa-Lobos, and “Czech Suite” by Dvorak, a work never before played at Lawrence.
Director Robert Debbaut commented that Mozart’s “Prague” symphony and the “Czech Suite” by Dvorak complement each other nicely. Mozart had quite a presence in Prague during his lifetime and was practically regarded as a deity there. If you ever find yourself wandering the streets of Prague, you will even find a street, named after Mozart, that leads to the house where he lived.
“Fantasia for Saxophone” will no doubt also be a piece worth hearing. It is a Brazilian piece that will feature concerto competition winner Sara Kind on saxophone. Debbaut noted that Sara is “a fantastic young sax player.” Make sure you come and listen this Saturday at 8 p.m. as director Robert Debbaut and the chamber orchestra mark the beginning of a new season with some great pieces and talented performers!