The New Westminster Symphony Orchestra is ushering in spring with a concert on Sunday.
The orchestra, led by conductor Jin “Jack” Zhang, is presenting a May 7 concert at 2 p.m. at the Massey Theatre.
The concert opens with music by German master Richard Wagner, with the Prelude and Liebestod from Wagner’s greatest love story, Tristan and Isolde.
The second offering on the program is music by Bizet, the French composer best known for the classic opera Carmen. The symphony will showcase some of Bizet’s incidental music – in this case, Arlesienne Suite No. 2.
Following intermission comes the planned highlight of the concert: Brahms’ Symphony No. 1.
“Brahms’ First Symphony, along with the three that followed, are unique in that they are all products of the composer’s maturity,” writes local arts promoter Tony Antonias in a press release. “History tells us that Brahms, during his early years, was in constant fear of being compared with Beehoven.”
As a consequence, Brahms struggled for 15 years with his first symphony – and the result is some of the most memorable orchestral music you’ll hear.
“I sat in on some of the rehearsals, and I am quite sure you and your family will enjoy the beautiful melodies Brahms has incorporated in this, his first symphony, which finally saw the light in 1876,” Antonias said.
The Massey Theatre is at 735 Eighth Ave. Admission is by donation at the door.
