Final Masterworks concert features Three M’s: Mozart, Mendelssohn and… McCartney?

Muskegon, Michigan, May 24, 2021—Music Director Scott Speck conducts the West Michigan Symphony in the final Masterworks video concert of the season, premiering at 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 11 and sponsored by Harbor Steel. Titled The Three M’s, the all-orchestral program features Felix Mendelssohn’s Hebrides Overture, Mozart’s Symphony no. 41 (the “Jupiter”), and Spiral, a composition for orchestra by former Beatle Paul McCartney. The 2020-2021 Season is sponsored by Nichols. To order online, visit westmichigansymphony.org or call 231-726-3231.

“This concert traces a journey from Earth to the heavens—with Mendelssohn’s famous depiction of the West Scottish islands; Paul McCartney’s impressionistic, haunting original work that ascends and cascades; and Mozart’s final and greatest symphony,” stated Music Director Scott Speck.

Sir Paul McCartney ventured into the world of classical music in the 1990s, beginning with his collaboration with composer Carl Davis, the Liverpool Oratorio. He released several follow-ups, including 1999’s album Working Classical, on which Spiral appears. The work, which draws on Celtic musical traditions, is described as “pastoral” and “impressionistic.” The city ethos of his upbringing, which informed most of his songs for The Beatles, has largely been superseded by a strong feeling for rural landscape, and its evocation in music.

Scott Speck will lead a virtual Lunch ‘n Learn at 12 noon on Wednesday, June 9, which will air on the WMS Facebook page and in WMS’s free, open-to-all website Listening Room. Following the premiere of The Three M’s on Friday evening, there will be a virtual “Talk Back” featuring Speck, WMS president Andy Buelow, and members of the orchestra, in the Symphony’s Zoom Room. The performances will be available for viewing for the following 10 days in the Virtual Concert Hall, but the “Talk Back” is live and participation is only available after Friday night’s premiere.

Passes for the video concert range from $30 to $50. A special 50% discount is available through Wednesday June 9 for online purchases at www.westmichigansymphony.org. Enter the code MMM. An email with a link to access the video concert will be sent in advance to all ticket buyers.