Overture Magazine: 2017-2018 Season January-February 2018 | Page 21

CONCERTO FANTASY FOR TWO TIMPANISTS /IMPRESSIONIST MASTERWORKS at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Hall and a solo Kennedy Center debut. He gives master classes, teaches regularly and plays with some of the top vocalists and instrumentalists; he also coaches vocalists, instrumentalists and conductors. Sheppard today stands at a crossroads, spending large amounts of time writing, performing and teaching. He has worked closely with fellow composers John Corigliano, Christopher Theofanidis, Michael Hersch, Robert Sirota and with the late Nicholas Maw, demonstrating a deep love of new music. His eclectic tastes also recently led him to direct the music for performances of Jason Robert Brown’s Broadway show The Last Five Years. Sheppard is a native of Philadelphia and resides in Baltimore, where he works at both the Peabody Conservatory and the Baltimore School for the Arts, sharing his love and understanding of music and the artistic process with future generations. Michael Sheppard makes his BSO solo debut. About the Concert THE CARNIVAL OF THE ANIMALS Camille Saint-Saëns Born in Paris, France, October 9, 1935; died in Algiers, Algeria, December 16, 1921 Although Camille Saint-Saëns was very proud of his role as the leader of the more conservative branch of 19 th -century French music, the piece for which he is most beloved today is, ironically, something he wrote as a private party joke in 1886. While he was supposed to be hard at work on his famous “Organ” Symphony, he took time out to compose The Carnival of the Animals: 14 brilliantly witty and often entrancingly lovely portraits of animals. Originally created for an eclectic pick-up ensemble of two pianos, a few strings, flute, clarinet, glass harmonica and xylophone, it was given its first private performance on March 9, 1886. Saint-Saëns’ musical friends all loved it, but the composer, mindful of his reputation, banned it from public performance. (He did make an exception for its most beautiful movement, “The Swan.”) Nevertheless, he allowed it to be published after his death, and its first public performance thus came in 1922. Despite Saint-Saëns’ reservations, this is perhaps his most imaginatively orchestrated work, and it definitely was not written for children (though they love it). These performances will include a specially commissioned narration created by Baltimore-based hip-hop artist Wordsmith. Its words follow: FREE TO ALL SUNDAYS @7:30PM CHAMBER MUSIC BY CANDLELIGHT Featuring members of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra JAN 28, 2018 MAR 11, 2018 APR 15, 2018 MAY 6, 2018 JUN 3, 2018 *WORLD PREMIERE Introduction  There are moments in music where things can really change a break from being serious curious I’ll explain. Camille Saint-Saëns wrote a humorous composition and Marin, you’re in luck to conduct a radical rendition. This is Carnival of the Animals fantasy filled mix I’m narrating the script a zoological trip. With that said I’m giving a fair warning to check under your seats and look under your feet this carnival’s full of beasts… so stare but-never-touch there’s rules but not much we’re here for your amusement tips could be a plus…and yeah I could be kidding but music is like a lemon it’s sour without rhythm and ripe for good ribbing…you’re probably feeling we’re off track but why overreact I’m laughing over the fact your falling for wise cracks! So look cheer but please listen the carnivals going to start the BSO has readied a riveting royal march!   SUNDAYS @3:30PM JAN 14, 2018 Philadelphia Brass FEB 11, 2018 Alon Goldstein, Piano MAR 18, 2018 Irina Muresanu APR 22, 2018 Wonderlic Concert MAY 20, 2018 Todd Marcus, Jazz Bass Clarinet For more information call 443.759.3309 or visit CommunityConcertsAtSecond.org STUDY PARTICIPANTS NEEDED Study on Genetics and Facial, Jaw, & Headache Pain Royal March of the Lion  The lion, a fearless and ferocious beast …and I repeat don’t sleep you’re the meat for the feast! Husband of the lioness address him as your highness your free to feed the king is that a plus or minus? I admire courage but never stupidity I’ll tell you what the lion can teach us all some humility… YOU MAY QUALIFY IF: • You are 18 – 65 years of age • You speak and understand English • You are healthy OR have recently had headaches or pain in your face or jaw Hens and Roosters  The rooster is a boisterous ball of energy, crowing at the top of its lungs leaving our ears with no sympathy. Pecking, prodding and picking on me and you, while taunting its cliché call … ah Cock-a-doodle-doo!!! Compensation for participation and parking vouchers are provided Contact Dr. Colloca’s Lab at [email protected] or at 410 -706 -5975 JA N – F E B 2018 / OV E R T U R E 19