DC Philharmonic to debut at Strathmore in April
Recession? What recession? With so many arts groups facing financial woes and cutting back on product, it seems a little strange to hear about a new orchestra being launched. But, on Wednesday, a press conference is planned at Strathmore to announce the DC Philharmonic Orchestra, which will be based there. (dcphil.org)
To be conducted by John Baltimore, the new ensemble will bow April 9 and 10 with what has to be just about the most challenging program an untried orchestra could tackle -- Mahler's Resurrection Symphony, preceded by Samuel Barber's Knoxville: Summer of 1915 and Michael Torke's Bright Blue Music. Most orchestras would not put anything on a program with that long, daunting Mahler symphony (perhaps only the finale will be performed).
The starry soloists scheduled are soprano Harolyn Blackwell and mezzo Denyce Graves. The Heritage Signature Chorale will also participate. As for the orchestral personnel, a press release describes them thusly: "extremely versatile, gifted, and virtuosic professional musicians, who believe in and are committed to creating music, rich in soul and organic energy; music that is expressive, alive and buoyant, that reaches the very depths of the human element."
Comments
John Baltimore is an inspiration in this "sit back and let the government do it" climate.
He is going where no man has gone before and definitely deserves the attention and support of the metro D.C. audience...most particularly the black middle class that is generally conspicuously absent at classical music presentations!!
Thanks for the comment. I agree that this project is brave and ripe with possibilities.
Posted by: David Taylor | March 5, 2009 1:21 PM
Just a note to tell you that you turned the name of the chorus around: it's Heritage Signature Chorale. They are absolutely terrific, and I am delighted to hear that they'll be part of the Mahler 2nd. In addition, on May 9, they will perform a joint concert with the Prince George's Philharmonic at the Clarice Smith Center.
Thanks for leting me know. I've reviewed that group before; very nice work with the Annapolis Symphony years back. I should have been more careful. I'll make the change. TIM
Posted by: Charles Ellis | March 5, 2009 11:37 PM