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Allegro, E-newsletter
Winter 2007

 

ALLEGRO

New Haven Symphony Orchestra's E-newsletter

Winter 2007

In this issue:

Family Concerts Return to New Haven

Spotlight on Olav van Hezewijk, NHSO principal oboist

Women of Note, Luncheon and Fashion Show

Give the Gift of Music

Concerts & Upcoming Events

Buy Concert Tickets
View the Season

Family Concerts Return to New Haven

After an absence of more than 15 years we have reinstituted a family concert series so that families can introduce their children to the joys and wonders of orchestral music. For countless generations Family Concerts have been the first time that a child has heard orchestral music live and we are delighted to make these a part of children’s lives once again.

The concerts are fun and instructive and everyone can join in!  Each 45 minute musical adventure is preceded by a 30 minute, hands on, pre-concert activity. “The Family Concert Series is a wonderful way for the NHSO to extend our reach into the community and promote family-based learning,” notes NHSO Director of Education, Stephen Collins.

Water, Water, Everywhere
Saturday, November 10th, 2pm, Omni Hotel, New Haven. 

Recycle, Reuse, Rejoice
Saturday, February 16th, 2pm, Omni Hotel, New Haven. 

Whiz Kids, 2008
Saturday, April 12th, 2pm, Woolsey Hall, New Haven

For tickets call the Shubert Theater Box Office 203.562.5666 or purchase at the door.  For information visit newhavensymphony.org $12/adults; $5/child

Supported in part by: Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, The Jewish Foundation of Greater New Haven, Omni Hotel, New Haven Register and the Regional Water Authority.


 

Spotlight on Olav van Hezewijk, NHSO principal oboist

“Strong” is the word Olav van Hezewijk used more than once to describe the extremely difficult and seldom heard Oboe Concerto he will perform with the NHSO on Thursday, November 15.  Composed by Richard Strauss in the wake of World War II, allegedly at the request of a soldier who had fought in that war, it challenges both the soloist and the orchestra in unique ways.

van Hezewijk first played the oboe part – without orchestra, when he was a teenager attending a conservatory in the Netherlands.  His teacher sprang the assignment on him with only two week’s notice, but had to extend that to three when he realized that this deadline was unreasonable even for a talented and conscientious pupil. Young Olav did learn it in time to perform at the recital, accompanied only by his teacher, whom he described as ‘also a phenomenal piano player.’

“People adore this piece,” says van Hezewijk, “the thematic material is so rich, and the ways that the various themes interweave, alternate, or appear in simultaneous harmony are intriguing.  However, there are some who will not perform it because of the composer’s ambiguous relationship to the Nazis.”

What makes the concerto difficult is the challenge of finding time to breathe. To van Hezewijk it’s a very operatic piece, “ I want to play it as if I were singing, so I think of breathing as a singer would. It exemplifies all the technical difficulties in oboe plying:  long strings of notes, little if any allowance for breathing, fast notes in sequence, and intricate relationships with the orchestra, particularly with principals of other sections of the orchestra.” 

van Hezewijk has been hoping for an opportunity to perform this concerto with an orchestra since first learning it in the ‘70’s, and he is grateful that William Boughton was prepared to take it on. “The whole piece speaks to me,”  says van Hezewijk enthusiastically, “it’s that strong a piece.”

Submitted by: Virginia Wilkinson, NHSO Board Member

Women of Note, Luncheon and Fashion Show

Join the New Haven Symphony Orchestra as it honors the outstanding leadership and talent of women in our community through its inaugural “Women of Note” Luncheon and Fashion Show, Sunday, November 18, 12:30pm at the Pine Orchard Yacht and Country Club.

The 2007 Woman of Note Awardee is Norma Kelly, long-time community volunteer and NHSO supporter. Other honorees include: Jennifer Aniskovich, Marna Borgstrom, BettyAnn Donegan, Natalie Forbes, Cynthia McCraven, Diane Petra, Gale Silverberg, Ellen Swirsky and Carolyn Breen Witt who will be modeling fashions by Ella Where She Shops of Branford & Guilford and Juliana Collezione of North Branford.

Tickets: $75/per person.  Call for your reservations today, limited places available at 203.865.0831 x2991.

Give the Gift of Music

With the holiday season just around the corner, consider a gift for the mind and heart – a New Haven Symphony Orchestra Gift Certificate.

Available in the dollar amount of your choice, certificates are valid for any NHSO event and can be purchased by phone or in person at the Shubert Theater Box Office.

For further information, please call 203.562.5666.

On behalf of the Musicians, Board and Staff of the NHSO, a safe and joyous holiday season to all our patrons and friends.

Concerts & Upcoming Events

 The Elm City Girls Choir will join the NHSO on December 14 and 16th.
 The Elm City Girls Choir will join the NHSO on December 14 and 16th.

 

Thursday, November 15, 7:30 pm
In Exile
Woolsey Hall, New Haven
Soloist: Olav van Hezewijk, oboe
Works by: Tippett, R. Strauss, Beethoven
Tickets $10-65 each.  Call the Shubert Theater Box Office at 203.562.5666 or newhavensymphony.org

Sunday, November 18, 12:30 pm
Inaugural "Women of Note" Luncheon and Fashion Show
Pine Orchard Yacht and Country Club, Branford
Celebrate noteworthy women for their outstanding leadership and talent in the community.
Tickets: $75.00
Call Mary-Kate Pomian at 203.865.0831 x2991
 

Friday, December 14, 7:30pm
Holiday Spectacular: Jingle 'n' Jazz
Shubert Theater, New Haven
Join associate conductor Gerald Steichen and the NHSO for a festive night of holiday classics and a traditional holiday sing-a-long with guest artists the Elm City Girl Choir.  Great for office parties, friends and family. 
Tickets $15-48 each.  Call the Shubert Theater Box Office at 203.562.5666 or newhavensymphony.org

Repeat: Sunday, December 16, 3pm
Holiday Spectacular: Jingle 'n' Jazz
Shelton Intermediate School, Shelton
Tickets $32 each.  Call the Shubert Theater Box Office at 203.562.5666 or newhavensymphony.org


If you have questions or feedback about ALLEGRO!, email us at admin@newhavensymphony.org
 

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