If you go
› What: CSO Masterworks concert, “Beethoven’s Choral Fantasy.”› When: 7:30 p.m. today, Oct. 20.› Where: Tivoli Theatre, 709 Broad St.› Admission: $21-$83.› Phone: 423-267-8583.› Website: www.chattanoogasymphony.org.
Robert Barefield will be the baritone soloist on the premiere of Kendra D'Ercole's "Wie die Blatter des Herbstes Herabfallen."
Spencer Myer will be the featured pianist in Beethoven's Fantasia in C Minor for Piano, Chorus and Orchestra, Op. 80.
Composer Kendra D'Ercole of Chandler, Ariz., will be at the Tivoli Theatre tonight, Oct. 20, for the world premiere of her work, "Wie die Blatter des Herbstes Herbafallen," which translates to "As the Autumn Leaves Fall."An emotionally charged concert is in store this evening, Oct. 20, when the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera performs its Masterworks concert in the Tivoli Theatre.
Arizona composer Kendra D'Ercole will be in attendance to hear the world premiere of her work. Additionally, the CSO will be joined by guest vocalists, the Lee University Chorale and CSO Chorus to present the grandeur of Beethoven's Fantasia in C Minor for Piano, Chorus and Orchestra, Op. 80. The Choral Fantasy, as it is known, happened to be a personal favorite of the late Molly Sasse French, the former CSO executive director whom tonight's concert will honor.
French led the CSO from 2007 until resigning in 2016 for medical reasons. Music Director Kayoko Dan says Beethoven's Choral Fantasy was a personal favorite of French's, and the CSO is performing it in her memory. Before the concert, Don McDowell, CSO board president, will announce this dedication from the stage, according to Sarah Stewart, CSO marketing and communications manager.
After the orchestra opens the program with Beethoven's Overture to Egmont, Op. 84, the symphony will present the world premiere of D'Ercole's "Wie die Blatter des Herbstes Herabfallen," which translates to "As the Autumn Leaves Fall." According to Stewart, the piece is based on Beethoven's "Heilingenstadt Testament." The name of D'Ercole's work is based on the postscript to the Testament: "As the autumn leaves fall and wither, so also has hope become dried up for me."
D'Ercole is one of the CSO's five visiting composers this season. She writes for a variety of ensembles, and her works have premiered in this country and Europe. She is a professor at Phoenix College in Arizona.
This new work will feature baritone Robert Barefield, pianist Spencer Myer, the CSO Chorus and Lee University Chorale. These musicians will be joined by tenors Ron Brendel and James Harr, sopranos Caitlin Hammon Moore and Lucia Sanchez, and mezzo-soprano Sara Snider Schone for Beethoven's Fantasia in C Minor.
Myer will play the adagio movement, for unaccompanied piano. This pianist launched his career by winning three important music prizes: the 2004 UNISA International Piano Competition in South Africa, 2006 Christel DeHaan Classical Fellowship from the American Pianists Association and the 2008 New Orleans International Piano Competition.
He has presented orchestral, recital and chamber music performances throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe, Africa and Asia. His 2005 recital/orchestral tour of South Africa included a performance of Beethoven's five piano concerti with the Chamber Orchestra of South Africa.
For Choral Fantasy's second movement, the finale, the CSO will be joined by Myer, both choruses and all soloists. The Choral Fantasy begins in C minor and modulates during the finale to C major. It is known for its grandeur and expressive lyricism. Attentive listeners will hear the familiar "Ode to Joy" strain in the finale.
Following the concert, ticketholders are invited to stay in the lobby for Postlude, during which they can meet guest artists and musicians while enjoying complimentary sparkling wine.
Contact Susan Pierce at spierce@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6284.