For its concerts this weekend (2/19 and 2/20), California’s Sacramento Philharmonic has made a last-minute programming addition of Egyptian composer Nader Abbassi’s New Conception, representing the work’s U.S. premiere. Music Director Michael Morgan will lead the work, which juxtaposes Middle Eastern themes and melodies with Western technique and harmonies. In a statement, Morgan said that the orchestra had decided to perform the work “in honor of the Egyptian people and their aspirations for freedom” and that the orchestra hopes the concert will help “build a musical bridge between East and West.” Abbassi, who is music director of the Cairo Opera and the Qatar Philharmonic, has been a frequent guest conductor with the Sacramento Philharmonic. New Conception joins a program that also includes Milhaud’s La Création du Monde, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7, and Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 24, with soloist Sara Davis Buechner.
Posted February 18, 2011
