The Wartburg Community Symphony will present the fourth and final concert of the 2023-24 season at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 13, in Neumann Auditorium at Wartburg College.
Tickets are $20 for adults and free for youth 18 and younger and Wartburg College students. Tickets are available online at www.wartburg.edu/symphony or at the door.
Using the theme “Dance of Life,” the concert will take the audience on what Conductor Rebecca Nederhiser describes as “a sonic journey that explores dance in a variety of cultures and time periods.” The program also will feature alto saxophonist Abby Gaul of Guttenberg and soprano Georgia LaBounty of West Des Moines, winners of the Wartburg student concerto/aria competition.
The concert will open with “Bal Masqué” by American composer Amy Beach, which reflects the opulent masked balls popular in 19th century Europe. It continues with Johannes Brahms, whose 19th century Hungarian Dances nos. 5 and 6 highlight folk dancing traditions.
“Danzón no. 2,” written in 1994 by Mexican composer Arturo Márquez, takes inspiration from the Cuban-based danzón, weaving together vibrant melodies and lush harmonies that transport listeners to the warm streets of Havana.
The evening and the season will conclude with a suite from Igor Stravinsky’s 1920 ballet “Pulcinella,” which originally premiered as a creative fusion among Stravinsky, Léonide Massine (choreography) and Pablo Picasso (costumes/set).
“AI-generated images produced by Jim Infelt will provide a stunning background, paying homage to ‘Pulcinella’ and its connections to commedia dell’arte, Picasso and dance,” said Nederhiser.
