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POWELL, Wyo. - The Northwest Civic Orchestra closes its 2010-11 season with a 7:30 p.m. concert Saturday, May 7, in the Nelson Performing Arts Center in Powell.
Under the baton of Tim Schoessler, the orchestra opens with the last movement from the “Suite Algérienne” by Camille. The four-movement suite was inspired by Saint-Saëns’ visit to Algeria when the country was a French colony. The orchestra will perform “Marche Mililtaire Française,” which has become famous independently of the other movements.
Tchaikovsky’s “Serenade Melancolique” is featured next. Composed in early 1875 in Moscow, the single-movement work for solo and orchestra was first performed a year later. It’s still renowned for the lingering dance between violin and orchestra. Concertmistress Maurine Akin is featured on the violin solo.
The mood takes a dramatic shift with the “Dance Bacchanale” from Saint-Saens’ opera “Samson and Delilah.” The fast, energetic score uses the exotic musical sounds of foreign scales and percussion to portray Samson’s strength in bringing down the temple upon the Philistines.
Strains of Vienna fill the hall with “Roses from the South Waltz,” from Johann Strauss Jr.’s opera “The Queen’s Lace Handkerchief,” the composer’s best-known work among American audiences.
The evening closes with “Peer Gynt Suite No. 1,” written by Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg. The four movements feature easily recognizable melodies, especially the last one which has been used in everything from cartoons to television commercials.
Admission is $7; senior citizens pay $5. NWC students and children under 12 are admitted free.