The University of Mary Washington Philharmonic Orchestra kicked off its 42nd season with its Masterworks concert on Saturday, Oct. 20. The concert was centered on the theme “Star Gazing.”
The concert features Gustav Holst’s masterpiece “The Planets,” as well as “Earthrise and Return” by Chip Davis of Mannheim Steamroller fame, “A Short Ride in a Fast Machine” by Pulitzer-Prize winning composer John Adams and “Also Sprach Zarathustra” by Richard Strauss, better known as the theme to the Stanley Kubrick film “2001: A Space Odyssey.” The program concluded with John Williams’ “E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial.” Singers from UMW’s choir and the Chamber Chorale of Fredericksburg performed during the Adams piece.
“We are thrilled to open our 42nd season with this ambitious program,” said Director of the Orchestra Kevin Bartram. “These are all great works, and the Philharmonic has been working hard to deliver an outstanding concert. Given our upcoming PBS show, we wanted to open with a bang!”
A special lecture by Jerry Hubbell, the president of the Rappahannock Astronomy Club, preceded the concert at 6:30 p.m.
To become a member of the Friends of the Philharmonic or to purchase tickets for the concert, call (540) 654-1324 or visit http://philharmonic.umw.edu.
