May 11, 2009
The “DNA of Music” Season Concludes in “Hope” with Mahler’s Mighty Symphony No. 2
La Jolla, Calif. (May 11, 2009) — The La Jolla Symphony & Chorus (LJS&C) presents its final concert of the season on the weekend of June 6-7, 2009, concluding a season-long exploration of the DNA of Music with “Hope.” Music Director Steven Schick conducts the orchestra, chorus, and guest artists soprano Laurinda Nikkel and mezzo-soprano Martha Jane Weaver in Gustav Mahler’s epic Symphony No. 2, “The Resurrection.”
Modeled loosely on Beethoven’s Ninth, Mahler’s Second Symphony moves from a stormy beginning to a triumphant conclusion, full of ringing bells and exultant sonorities. In its optimistic energy, it makes a perfect conclusion to the season.
“The DNA of Music includes all of the qualities of music that move us, that make us happy. This work is the best musical example of ‘Hope’ I can think of,” says Maestro Schick.
Mahler’s symphony was written between 1888 and 1894, and first performed in 1895. The first movement represents a funeral and asks questions whether life exists after death. The second movement is a remembrance of happy times in the life of the deceased. The third movement represents a view of life as meaningless activity, and the fourth movement a wish for release from this life without meaning. The fifth and final movement ends with a fervent hope for everlasting, transcendent renewal.
Performances take place June 6-7, 2009 in Mandeville Auditorium at UCSD. Concert times are 8:00 p.m. on Saturday and 3:00 p.m. on Sunday. The 90-minute concert will be performed without intermission. Individual tickets are $26 general, $22 senior (65+), and $15 student. Parking is free. A pre-concert lecture is offered one hour prior to concert times. To purchase tickets or for more information, call the LJS&C office at (858) 534-4637.
The La Jolla Symphony & Chorus, San Diego’s oldest and largest community orchestra and chorus, is a non-profit musical performing group dedicated to inspiring San Diego with the joy of music. Its 200-member ensemble performs groundbreaking orchestral and choral music along with traditional favorites from the classical repertoire. During the 54th season, Music Director Steven Schick shares the podium with Choral Director David Chase.
