“Around the World” concert will feature diverse traditions and styles from across the globe
Muskegon, MI, March 21, 2024—West Michigan Symphony (WMS) will take music enthusiasts on an exhilarating journey across multiple continents with “WMS Around the World Part II.” Under the baton of Music Director Scott Speck, WMS will highlight a rich tapestry of musical styles ranging from the grandeur of Verdi’s Nabucco Overture to the rhythmic fervor of Falla’s Dance no. 1 from La Vida Breve. Also on the program will be works by Grieg, Smetana, Brahms, Copland, Rimsky-Korsakov and more. Sponsored by Harbor Steel & Supply Corporation, the performance takes place at 7:30pm Friday, April 19 in the Frauenthal Center, 425 W. Western Avenue in Muskegon. Mike and Kay Olthoff are the 2023-2024 Season Sponsors; Blue Lake Public Radio is the Media Sponsor. For tickets, starting at $19 for adults, $10 for students, call 231.727.8001 or visit www.westmichigansymphony.org.
“We first introduced the ‘Around the World’ concept—an all-orchestral program of shorter works with no guest artist—several seasons ago,” explained Scott Speck. “Many audience members declared this their favorite concert of the season. So we have brought this concept back with all new music.”
Other highlights will include Khachaturian’s “Sabre Dance” from Gayaneh; Smetana’s “The Moldau” from Ma Vlast (My Fatherland); Brahms’s Academic Festival Overture; Rimsky-Korsakov’s Capriccio Espagnol; and Copland’s Quiet City, featuring principal trumpet Bill Baxtresser.
Audience members and the general public are invited to learn more at a free Lunch ‘n Learn event held at 12 noon Wednesday, April 17 in The Block. Sponsored by Embark Financial Partners, the event will be hosted by Music Director Scott Speck and include opportunity for Q & A. A delicious and complimentary lunch will be provided by Kuntry Cookin’.
Free shuttle transport is available from Muskegon Farmer’s Market to the door of the Frauenthal, and back again after the concert. A post-concert reception will be held in the lower level Frau Lounge, an opportunity for the audience to mingle with conductor and musicians.
An anchor cultural organization headquartered in Muskegon, West Michigan Symphony led by Music Director Scott Speck is a resident presenting group at the Frauenthal Center, where its eight-concert season is the most visible part of a larger artistic enterprise of far-reaching community benefit. WMS concerts and education events bring 16,500 people—more than 30% of whom are children and students—downtown annually, making it the largest performing arts organization on the West Shore.
[Note to Editors: High-resolution images and interviews with Music Director Scott Speck are available upon request. For press passes or additional information, please contact Andy Buelow at the provided email address or phone number.]
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