In Monday’s (1/21) Herald-Journal (Spartanburg, South Carolina), Leah Harrison writes, “The Spartanburg Philharmonic Orchestra’s Saturday evening concert serves as an example of the organization’s success in the realms of newness and experimentation. Musical Director Sarah Ioannides—a champion of both contemporary composition and women in music—programmed the U.S. premiere of Andrea Tarrodi’s Lucioles (Fireflies), introduced by the composer via a projected video…. Tarrodi explained her compositional process and read the haiku that inspired her piece: By the lily leaves/ the fireflies anchor/ the lake is illuminated. … At 10 minutes in length, Lucioles shimmered and fluttered, creating a glowing soundscape that was at once serene and lively. Through much of the piece, the strings played a variety of quick rhythmic figures, but the layered parts maintained a buoyant airiness. Principal Cellist Brenda Leonard and Concertmistress Joanna Lebo traded solos throughout, anchoring the atmospheric tinkling with more substantial melodic material.” Also on the program were Brahms’s Violin Concerto in D Major with Michael Ludwig, and the composer’s Second Symphony.
Posted January 22, 2013
