“The Memphis Symphony Orchestra wants to take you places,” writes Jon W. Sparks in Saturday’s (3/13) Commercial Appeal (Memphis, Tennessee). “Its program for 2010-2011 is called a ‘Season of Discovery’ with concerts devoted to various countries and cultures. The season’s classical travelog is also festooned with crowd pleasers, including an appearance by in-demand violinist Joshua Bell and performances of popular works including Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, Copland’s Suite from ‘Appalachian Spring’ and Rimsky-Korsakov’s ‘Scheherazade.’ And for a boost of prestige the MSO will perform the world premiere of a commissioned work by Osvaldo Golijov, a luminary among contemporary composers. The new season is also significant in that it’s the first under the leadership of recently appointed music director Mei-Ann Chen. … Programming Beethoven’s Ninth was an easy decision for Chen. Two years ago, when she first led the MSO, she conducted Beethoven’s Leonore No. 3 Overture from ‘Fidelio.’ ‘Right after that piece, the energy I felt and how the musicians responded was incredible; the chemistry worked.’ … Ryan Fleur, MSO’s president and CEO, said the upcoming season will ‘identify the orchestra’s artistic strengths, provide opportunities for artistic growth and also open doors for partnerships.’ ”
Posted March 16, 2010
