7:30pm Concert

About the Program

The world of music and science are realms filled with wonder, constantly evolving through the theme of "discovery and breakthrough". This International Women’s Day, we have programmed a special concert to celebrate this intertwining of fields by featuring compositions from exceptional women in music. Among these are the world premiere of Francine Trester's "In Her Element," Grazyna Bacewicz's powerful "Overture," and Amy Beach's stunning "Symphony In E Minor, 'Gaelic.'"

Each composition in this program encapsulates the spirit of "discovery and breakthrough." Bacewicz's "Overture," for example, radiates strength and technical brilliance, reflecting her determination to craft music that captivates and challenges. Amy Beach’s “Gaelic” Symphony, on the other hand, showcases her pioneering spirit by infusing elements of her heritage into a sound that is simultaneously familiar and groundbreaking.

The pinnacle of the concert is the world premiere of Francine Trester's "In Her Element," a piece inspired by and dedicated to the women in sciences who changed the world: Lise Meitner, Rosalind Franklin, Patricia Bath, and Jocelyn Bell Burnell. Trester’s innovative confluence of music, science, and storytelling not only pays homage to these incredible women but also narrates their journey through original text, vocal soloists, and orchestral music.

"In Her Element" is not just a musical composition; it is a celebration of resilience, innovation, and the groundbreaking contributions of women in science. It tells the stories of women who, despite facing numerous challenges, persevered and made significant contributions to physics, chemistry, and medicine. Their narratives are woven into the music, creating a bridge between music and science and inviting the audience to be part of their journey.

The Kendall Square Orchestra (K2O), which is composed of musicians from over 40 local science and technology companies and academic institutions, embodies the spirit of collaboration, innovation, and inspiration.

This concert is a celebration of the indomitable spirit of women in music and science, a tribute to their innovative contributions, and an inspiration for future generations to overcome challenges and make their own discoveries and breakthroughs. The works of Francine Trester, Grazyna Bacewicz, and Amy Beach serve as a reminder that music and science are not just fields of study, but a journey of discovery, resilience, and innovation that can change the world.

Street Parking is available in the area surrounding Kresge Auditorium on Memorial Drive and Vassar Street.

PROGRAM

Learn more about the program below:

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The act of 'coming together' holds profound significance both philosophically and practically in our lives, reflecting our interconnectedness and interdependence. This concert serves as a living embodiment of this philosophy, with each musician and piece contributing to a harmonious whole, much like a symphony. In highlighting the talents of individual soloists from within the orchestra, the program underscores the importance of collaboration and unity, demonstrating that true harmony is achieved when diverse voices join together.

Richard Strauss - Serenade for Winds: The concert begins with Strauss’s "Serenade for Winds," a piece that serves as a metaphor for unity and interconnectedness. The 13 wind instruments come together to create a lush and cohesive sound, exemplifying how individual contributions can lead to a beautiful and harmonious whole. This piece sets the tone for the evening, showcasing the power of collaboration and setting the stage for a night of exceptional music-making.

Michael Gandolfi - Selections from The Nature Of Light for clarinet and strings: Featuring clarinetist Chris Stathis, "The Nature Of Light" explores the intricate relationship between a solo instrument and an ensemble. Gandolfi’s composition connects music to the universal phenomenon of light, reminding the audience of our shared humanity and connection to the natural world. Stathis's performance highlights the beauty that emerges when individual talent and collective support come together, creating a dialogue that enriches both the music and the audience’s experience.

Johann Sebastian Bach - Double Concerto for Violin, Oboe, and Strings: In Bach’s "Double Concerto," violinist Yoonhee Lee and oboist Joel Bard engage in a musical dialogue, their voices coming together to create a cohesive and harmonious whole. This piece exemplifies the philosophical idea that dialogue and collaboration are essential for understanding and growth, as the interplay between the soloists and the orchestra creates a rich and layered musical experience.

Béla Bartók - Selections from the Viola Concerto: Njord Fossnes’s performance of Bartók’s "Viola Concerto" highlights the viola’s expressive capabilities, showcasing how individual brilliance contributes to the overall impact of the ensemble. This piece serves as a reminder of the beauty that arises when diverse voices and perspectives come together, with Fossnes's talent and the orchestra's support creating a performance that is both powerful and moving.

Aaron Copland - Appalachian Spring: The concert concludes with Copland’s "Appalachian Spring," a celebration of the American spirit and the coming together of different musical traditions. This piece reflects the themes of unity and diversity, as the orchestra comes together to create a sound that is distinctly American, yet influenced by a variety of musical traditions. The performance serves as a fitting end to a program that celebrates the power of coming together, showcasing the beauty and strength that arises when individuals join forces.

This concert program transcends the boundaries of music, serving as a powerful reminder of the importance of coming together. The soloists and orchestra embody the philosophy of interconnectedness and collaboration, creating a harmonious and impactful performance. As the final notes of "Appalachian Spring" resonate through the concert hall, they also resonate within us, inspiring a renewed commitment to unity, diversity, and the power of coming together. Through this celebration of music and community, we are reminded that when we acknowledge and celebrate our differences, we can create something far greater than the sum of its parts

Free parking is available at the Broadway Garage, located at 7 Felton Street, between Broadway and Cambridge Streets. Patrons tell the attendant that they are attending a Sanders Theatre event. They receive a swipe ticket which they will use to get back into the garage after the show, and which they will use to exit. Parking is from one hour pre-performance to one hour post.

PROGRAM

Learn more about the program below:

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Ludwig van Beethoven's Symphony No. 3, commonly known as "Eroica," or "Heroic," is a landmark composition in the Western classical music tradition. Premiered in 1805, it signified a new era in music, essentially ushering in the Romantic period. Originally, Beethoven dedicated the symphony to Napoleon Bonaparte, whom he admired for his democratic ideals that echoed the values of the French Revolution. However, when Napoleon declared himself Emperor, Beethoven was deeply disillusioned, seeing this act as a betrayal of the revolutionary principles. In response, he dramatically removed the dedication to Napoleon, and the symphony was later published as "Eroica."

Thematically, "Eroica" presents the idea of the heroic struggle, featuring dramatic shifts in mood, unexpected harmonic progressions, and novel structural developments that push the boundaries of the classical symphony form.

The symphony’s underlying themes and its place in history can be linked to the broader ideas of representation and inclusion in classical music.

1. Breaking Tradition: Just as Beethoven challenged and expanded the conventions of his time with the "Eroica," promoting works by diverse and underrepresented composers today challenges the traditional, often Eurocentric, canon of classical music.

2. Universalism: Beethoven's later works, including the "Eroica," often conveyed universalistic themes that transcended national and cultural boundaries. This spirit aligns with the effort to incorporate more diverse voices in classical music, as it underscores the universality of the human experience across different cultures and histories.

3. Heroism and Struggle: The themes of heroism and struggle in the "Eroica" can resonate with many composers from historically underrepresented groups, whose voices have often been silenced or marginalized. Their music can tell stories of resilience, struggle, and the quest for identity and recognition, which mirrors Beethoven's heroic narrative.

In these ways, Beethoven's "Eroica," with its innovative spirit and universalistic themes, can serve as an inspiration for the continued expansion and diversification of the classical music canon today.

Syrian composer Kareem Roustom’s “Aleppo Songs” draws from the musical and cultural history of Aleppo, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and a significant center of Arab music.

Performing music by composers like Kareem Roustom, who represent traditionally underrepresented cultures in classical music, is of tremendous value. Such performances expand the canon, expose audiences to diverse musical traditions, and contribute to a more inclusive and holistic understanding of what 'classical' music can be.

Furthermore, music deeply rooted in specific cultures, such as an orchestral work inspired by the music of Aleppo, can also serve as an act of cultural preservation, particularly relevant given the recent devastation in Syria. It can bring awareness to cultural richness that audiences may not have previously encountered, and underscore the humanistic ties in music, despite geographic or cultural differences.

The inclusion and performance of works by underrepresented composers like Roustom can also inspire emerging composers from similar backgrounds. It provides a signal that their voices and experiences have value in the classical music world, which can traditionally be Eurocentric. Ultimately, performing such works adds to the richness, inclusivity, and overall evolution of classical music, ensuring that it is a continually dynamic and globally representative art form.