FWSO October 2017 Symphonic Concerts

OCTOBER 2017
symphony program

The Travelling Toe, along with several Dear Friends, attended two performances of the Fort Worth Symphony during the month of October.

Teddy Abrams

The first concert on October 8th, featured Teddy Abrams as guest Conductor.  The program began with "Agnegram" written by Michael Tilson Thomas, who is the current conductor of the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra.  According to the program notes,  the Maestro composed the music as a celebration for the 90th birthday of a parton of the orchestra.  

Michael Tilson Thomas

A short break followed this 8 minute introduction piece so the grand piano could be rolled to center stage.  The featured piece was the Piano Concerto in G Major written by Maurice Ravel.  Mr. Abrams conducted the orchestra while playing the solo piano piece. It was so interesting to watch as the piano was placed facing the audience instead of the normal side view. This placement allowed Mr. Abrams to direct the orchestra as well as play his part at the piano. It was an excellent view of him playing the piano keys.

Maurice Ravel
1875-1937

After a short intermission, the orchestra took stage again to play Sergei Prokofiev's Symphony No.5   The programs notes by Ken Meltzer, indicate that Prokofiev wrote this symphony at a time when the victory of Nazis was in sight.

Sergei Prokofiev
1891-1953

The second concert was on Oct 29th.  Miguel Harth-Bedoya was at the podium for this performance.  

Miguel Harth-Bedoya

Before the performance Maestro Harth-Bedoya, requested that all Military personnel and First Responders in the audience to stand and be recognized.  They were greeted with great applause and appreciation.. 

Edvard Grieg
1843-1907

The concert began with selections from "Peer Gynt" written by Edvard Grieg.  This music is very popular, such as "Morning Mood" and "In The Hall of The Mountain King".

Richard Strauss
1864-1949

Following a brief intermission, selections were played from "Ein Heldenleben" written by Richard Strauss. Mr. Meltzer notes in the program that this work of music"is one of Strauss's  most thrilling, virtuoso orchestral works".

Bass Hall

Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra