Posting Date: October 2, 2009
Cobb Symphony Orchestra to perform monumental symphony at Kennesaw State
By Scott Singleton
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Cobb Symphony Orchestra |
On Oct. 17 and 18, more than 200 performers will move in perfect synchronization on and off the stage in the Performance Hall of the Dr. Bobbie Bailey & Family Performance Center at Kennesaw State University as the Cobb Symphony Orchestra and Chorus performs Gustav Mahler’s Symphony #2. Performing for only the second time at KSU, the CSO will feature the monumental five moment symphony that remains one of Mahler’s most successful and popular works.
Often referred to as the "Resurrection Symphony," Mahler’s Symphony #2 is “a mammoth and deeply moving work,” according to Brian Hermanson, executive director of the CSO. The symphony marks the first major work of Mahler that examines the beauty of afterlife and resurrection—themes that Mahler developed throughout his long career. Knowledge of Mahler’s Symphony #2 is not necessary to fully appreciate the performance. Hermanson says, “All our performances are presented in an informative and engaging way featuring both musical and spoken introductions to the works.”
Founded in 1951, the CSO has maintained a record of artistic excellence through critically acclaimed performances that feature dedicated professional musicians. The partnership with KSU is providing more new opportunities to both students of KSU and members of the CSO. After performing Tchaikovsky’s Symphony #4 last October at KSU, this year’s performance “is a natural extension of our growing partnership with the university,” Hermanson says.
A rare performance, Hermanson observes that “this is a concert experience that, for many people, will only happen once in their lifetime.” Featuring the full symphony and chorus, the performance will be conducted by Michael Alexander, orchestra director at KSU and music director of the CSO. A conductor of tremendous “personal energy and passion,” according to Hermanson, Alexander will lead a massive production that will include 10 trumpets, 10 horns, four flutes, four oboes, four trombones, two sets of timpani, violins and violas, among many other instruments.
Alexander will be joined by Bryan Black, chorus director of the CSO, Magdalena Wor, mezzo-soprano, and KSU member Jana Young, soprano.
The performances will begin at 8 p.m. on Oct. 17 and 3 p.m. on Oct 18. Tickets are $15 and available for purchase at www.cobbsymphony.org.