“Since 2006, millions of people have seen and heard the Discovery Orchestra—via live performances, public television programs or YouTube videos—while also learning how to listen to classical compositions,” writes Natalie Pompilio in Sunday’s (9/22) Star-Ledger (N.J.). The orchestra opened its season on September 22 by performing “movements from Russian composer Igor Stravinsky’s ‘Firebird Suite.’ The performance [was] recorded live by American Public Television for distribution next year…. Founded as the Philharmonic Orchestra of New Jersey 33 years ago, Discovery’s emphasis is on education…. Discovery’s now-familiar format: The orchestra will perform about four minutes of the chosen work, then [Artistic Director George Marriner] Maull will challenge the audience to notice what’s happening in the score: How many times does a melody occur? … Could you isolate the sound of the bass trombone? … After the lesson, the orchestra will perform the same music again…. Fans near and far can also learn more from Discovery via its YouTube channel or its free Amazon Prime series. The organization has ‘chat videos’ on its website. Maull hosts a twice monthly radio show, ‘Inside Music,’ on classical network WWFM. These platforms, Maull said, gives the orchestra the opportunity ‘to transform the listening experience.’ ”
Posted September 26, 2019
