“Philip Wharton’s new symphony is quintessentially Midwestern,” writes Melody Parker in Monday’s (4/5) Waterloo Courier (Iowa). “The music evokes deep blue Iowa twilights and wind-blown prairies and a stirring in the soul that’s as big as all outdoors. But there’s quirkiness, too, and subtle humor that pokes an elbow in listeners’ ribs as lavish chords give way to loud, brash romps. … He is composer-in-residence with the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Symphony Orchestra. The orchestra will present the world premiere of Wharton’s work in concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center on the University of Northern Iowa campus. Johannes Brahms’ Second Symphony will complete the concert, conducted by Music Director Jason Weinberger. As part of the orchestra’s 80th anniversary celebration, 40 area high school music students will rehearse and perform side-by-side with the WCFSO musicians. … The collaboration with area students will culminate in a free community concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday Waterloo West High’s Kersenbrock Auditorium. The program will include a sneak-peek at Wharton’s new symphonic work, as well as selections from Brahms’ Second Symphony and music by Glinka. The event is free and open to the public as a thank-you from the WCFSO to the Cedar Valley for 80 years of support.”
Posted April 6, 2010
