MW2  Saturday, October 17, 2009
8:00PM Thomas Wolfe Auditorium

    featuring Noah Bendix-Balgley

Pärt: Fratres
                

Bach: Violin Concert in E
    Noah Bendix-Balgley, violin

Ravel: Tzigane
    Noah Bendix-Balgley, violin

Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 4 'Italian'  

 
In October we continue to present music of exotic origins. Estonian composer Arvo Pärt has emerged as one of our time's most beloved composers. His language is one of contemplation and of the spirit. His music seems to emerge from an ancient time but has an emotional impact in our modern world. Fratres, with its evocative, slowly-chanting string choirs, is a piece of quiet contemplation that will transport you to another realm. Then Asheville native and Thibaud competition medalist Noah Bendix-Balgley makes his triumphant return with two contrasting works for solo violin and orchestra. Johann Sebastian Bach's vibrant Concerto in E and Ravel's gypsy-flavored Tzigane are both a test of Noah's musical instincts and technical prowess as he brings his many talents to the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium stage. We finish the evening with Mendelssohn's brilliant symphonic tribute to Italy. With a vivacious spirit cast against moments of heart-rending beauty, Mendelssohn's Fourth Symphony is more a musical treasure than a mere musical travelogue.