The Springfield Symphony Orchestra performance at Symphony Hall and will perform a special composition called "Ritual for Five Percussionists and Orchestra." Watch video
SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Symphony Orchestra will take center stage at Symphony Hall for their rendition of Arabian Nights melodies from "Scheherezade," led by Maestro Kevin Rhodes, on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
The orchestra will perform three exotic pieces – Rimsky-Korsakov's "Scherherazade", Edvard Grieg's "Peer Gynt Suite" and a special composition called "Ritual for Five Percussionists and Orchestra," which will highlight five percussionist guest artists.
"Unlike most Springfield Symphony musical performances with usually one guest artist, this concert has five of them," Rhodes said. "This time the percussion sections will come out of their usual place at the rear of the Symphony Hall stage and be front and center."
The five guest artists are Nathan Lassell, Rob McEwan, Nicola Cannizzaro, Jeffrey Irving and David West. They will be using a variety of instruments during their performance, from Thai gongs, Chinese opera gongs and a melodian to boobams, woodblocks, bass drums and more. Each of the artists have extensive musical resumes and talents that will be highlighted within the composition.
In addition to the SSO performance, the Springfield Youth Orchestra, under the direction of Jonathan Lam, will be showcased in a 20-minute performance starting at 6:30 p.m. Following the event, the audience will be invited to a reception in the Mahogany Room to honor the retirement of Springfield Symphony Orchestra Executive Director Michael Jonnes.
The MassMutual Financial Group is the concert and official season sponsor for the symphony. Tickets for the concert are on sale at the Springfield Symphony Box Office, 1350 Main St., downtown Springfield. They can be purchased by phone, 413-733-2291, or online at SpringfieldSymphony.org.