Escape to Delight: Fort Collins Symphony to Perform an Evening of Charming Works

Escape to Delight: Fort Collins Symphony to Perform an Evening of Charming Works by Classical and Contemporary Composers with Guest Pianist Avery Gagliano.

 

The Fort Collins Symphony (FCS) is proud to present their third Signature Concert of the 2022-2023 season: “Escape to Delight.” It is an evening of delightful classical and contemporary works at 7:30 PM on Saturday, February 4th, 2023 live at the Lincoln Center and via livestream. FCS Music Director Maestro Wes Kenney will lead the orchestra and guest pianist Ms. Avery Gagliano in an exciting concert of music composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Joseph Bologne, Joseph Haydn, and Amy Beach.

The evening begins with Joseph Bologne’s Symphony No. 1 in G Major. Bologne, one of history’s many forgotten composers of color, was often called the “Black Mozart.” He was a champion fencer, violinist, composer, conductor, and colonel. The upcoming film “Chevalier,” opening in theaters April 7th, tells the dramatic story of his life.

Guest pianist Avery Gagliano will join the FCS to perform Mozart’s 24th Piano Concerto, perhaps Mozart’s greatest piece for piano and orchestra. In 2021, Ms. Gagliano made her Carnegie Hall debut and released her album “Reflections” on the Steinway & Sons label. She appears by special arrangement with Curtis on Tour, the Nina von Maltzahn global touring initiative of the Curtis Institute of Music. “Avery Gagliano is a distinctive young talent who has already graduated to the big league of professional pianists while still a student at music college.” – International Piano Magazine

Composer Joseph Haydn’s spirited “Drum Roll” Symphony features a violin solo by Heather MacArthur. She is a candidate auditioning for the position of FCS concertmaster. Haydn was the father of the symphony and wrote more than any other major composer. This piece is his 103rd symphony.

Composer Amy Beach’s vibrant and rhythmic waltz, Bal Masqué, closes a delightful evening that will send audience members dancing from the auditorium.

Learn more about “Escape to Delight’s” concert music, composers, and pianist Avery Gagliano at FCSymphony.org/Delight.

Tickets are $25-$67 for adults, $10 for children/students, $25 for livestream, available at LCTix.com/signature-3-escape-to-delight.

 

For educational information about the concert, please:

  • Visit FCSymphony.org/Delight for concert program notes by Dr. Dawn Grapes and Dr. William E. Runyan, an interview with pianist Avery Gagliano, and other enlightening resources about the concert. Free.
  • Attend Dr. Dawn Grapes’ Composer Talk in person at Old Town Library at noon on Wednesday, February 1, 2023.  Free.
  • Experience the FCS at Open Rehearsal in-person at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 2, 2023 at the Lincoln Center. Free.
  • Join Maestro Wes Kenney for his pre-concert lecture, “Maestro’s Musings,” in-person or live stream at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 4, 2023 at the Lincoln Center. With purchase of concert ticket.
  • Tune into Maestro Kenney’s World of Symphonic Music at 7 p.m. on Sundays at KRFC 88.9 FM Radio Fort Collins 88.9 FM. Free.