Symphonic Series with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra

The Travelling Toe and 2 friends enjoyed a recent trip to Bass Hall to attend a concert presented by the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra.  Music Director, Miguel Harth-Bedoya conducted the program.

Miguel Harth-Bedoya

The first two selections on the program featured contemporary composer, Mason Bates, who was in attendance for all 3 performances of his compositions.  

Mason Bates

Mason Bates

The first piece, titled "Mothership"utilized a large variety of percussion instruments and even a laptop.  The piece is 9 minutes in length and expresses techno rhythms.  As noted in the program by Mason, he provides a brief overview of the piece:

                                  .....imagines the orchestra as a mothership that is "docked" by several
                                   vising soloists who offer brief but virtuosic riffs on the work's 
                                   thematic material over action-packed electro-acoustic orchestral
                                   figuration

We found the piece to be very interesting and enjoyable,

During a brief pause to re-set the stage, Miguel introduced Mason to the audience and they had a wonderful conversation about his compositions.

The second piece on the program that Mr. Bates composed is simply called "Cello Concert".  It featured Joshua Roman on cello.

 


Joshua Roman

This piece also had a very contemporary feel but was interesting to hear how all the pieces of the orchestra supported and inter-played with the soloist.  It was enjoyable watching Joshua play this piece and even at one time in the performance he used a guitar pick on the cello.  He interacted with the players around him making the music even more enjoyable.  Here is hoping that Joshua (who is originally from Oklahoma) will return soon to Bass Hall for another performance.

At intermission, The Travelling Toe was not feeling well and was unable to stay to hear the final selection on the program, Beethoven's "Eroica".However, reports are that was excellent.

"Life Is Better With Music"


Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra

Bass Hall