French-born Mélisse Brunet, who made her debut with Symphoria in 2017, returns to conduct “Waltz Along the Blue Danube,” a Jan. 14 Casual Series matinee concert that launches the orchestra’s new year schedule. The audience might be inspired to dance (but only imaginary dancing allowed) as the orchestra plays polkas, waltzes, marches, and even the scandalous “Cancan” from Offenbach’s “Orpheus in the Underworld.”
The program, performed at St. Paul’s Syracuse, will also feature music by Johann Strauss II (1825 - 1899), Erich Korngold (1897 - 1957) and Johann Baptiste Strauss (1764 - 1816), will last approximately 75 minutes without intermission.
Brunet is one of five orchestra conductors profiled in Maggie Contreras’ documentary “Maestra,” which was premiered at the 2023 Tribeca Film Festival. The movie follows each of the contestants as they prepare for the world’s only competition for female conductors. She is music director of the Northeastern Philadelphia Philharmonic and the Lexington Philharmonic. A doctoral degree holder in orchestral conducting from the University of Michigan, she began her musical career as a cellist and went on to learn trumpet, horn and piano.
Symphoria Executive Director Pamela Murchison says patrons enjoy the Sunday afternoon Casual series concerts for the fine acoustics and cathedral setting of St. Paul’s Syracuse and for the programming of light classics.
“Starting the new year with a program of waltzes is a time-honored convention in Europe. So, Symphoria’s professional musicians are happy to share this tradition for our first Casual series concert of 2024,” Murchison said. “The music will be effervescent. It will bring some sunshine to the audience during what can be a dreary time of year. I think of this program as a glass of champagne!”
DETAILS
What: Casual, with Mélisse Brunet conducting
Where: St. Paul’s of Syracuse, 220 E. Fayette St.
When: Jan. 14, at 3 p.m.
Run Time: 75 minutes, no intermission
Tickets: $43 prime seating; $33 general admission; senior citizens discounted by $5. Students with I.D. $5; kids under 18 free
Purchase: 315-299-5598 or experiencesymphoria.org
Parking: Free on street