This coming Saturday, October 6th at 3pm will be the first concert of the Nashville Concerto Orchestra’s 2018-2019 season! Roger Wiesmeyer and I had started to curate our concerts a little more deliberately, and this one is specifically highlighting Nashville’s dynamic community of cellists.
This program is built around Nashville Symphony cellist Keith Nicholas. Keith has been consistent and generous in donating his time to the NCO and other projects. When asked what solo he might want to play with the support of a full orchestra, he described a little piece from an otherwise "lost" cello concerto by Ottorino Respighi that lives under the name "Adagio con Variazone" (Adagio and Variations). The piece was a particular favorite of his father's, who will be attending the concert.
The Respighi will be paired with the gorgeous Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5 for soprano and cello choir by the great Brazilian composer Heitor Villa-Lobos. This music seamlessly blends the style and counterpoint of Bach with the folkloric elements of Brazilian music. Our featured soloist will be soprano Jessie Nielson.
Lastly, I will be debuting my own cello quartet, “Lihim”, at this concert. My dear friends Joshua Dent, Austin Hoke, and Melodie Chase will be at my side to premiere this piece. I’m so proud and so excited to perform it in front of our lovely audience!
I hope to see some friendly faces there! See the poster below for more details (again, masterfully designed by Dan Sommers).
