In Saturday’s (2/21) Albany Herald (Albany, Georgia), Jim Hendricks writes, “The Flint River played a critical role in the development of Albany, and when it has risen from its banks it has tested the community. On Saturday, the Albany Symphony Orchestra will debut a symphonic work inspired by the Flint River that also employs part of the river in its performance— Thronateeska. Written by Steven Landis, a Gainesville, Fla., resident” and the orchestra’s principal double bass, “Thronateeska was commissioned for the golden anniversary of the Albany Symphony,” in 2015. Also on the water-themed program will be Smetana’s The Moldau and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6. “The concert also will feature the quartet Enhake [from Florida State University] as guest performers during the Thronateeska segment…. Pieces of flint from the river will be used by percussionists with the orchestra during part of the performance…. The concerto … is cast in three continuous movements that first explore the geological features of the Flint River and its use in pre-Columbian history. That will be followed by a homage to spider lilies in bloom that are unique to the river. The final movement is meant to be a survey of events as perceived by the river.”
Posted February 23, 2015
