The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra continues its 2005-2006 “A Season of Words and Music” series with the second concert, "Mythology," to be presented Nov. 19, at 8 p.m., at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center at the Northern Virginia Community College in Alexandria. The concert will highlight music inspired by varied myths and legends from many different time periods and cultures. The program begins with Gluck’s composition of mythology’s greatest musician, Orpheus, and his attempts to rescue his wife, Eurydice, from the underworld.
Next, the ASO percussion section lights up the concert hall with a musical tribute to the Hawaiian god of war Ku-Ka-Ilimoku. This is followed by composer Howard Shore’s score for the first film in the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy. Finally, soprano Maria Jooste performs with the ASO in a presentation of selections from Wagner’s Ring Cycle.
Concert underwriters Geoff and Nancy Parker were inspired by this season to “honor the memory of my mother and her lifelong love of music and books, and the inspiration those provide to people of all ages,” said Geoff Parker. Soloist sponsor Lyndal Shaneyfelt said, “I’m excited by the ASO’s creative melding of musical, visual and literary art forms.”
Peter Fay of WETA’s “Around Town” will host the preconcert discussion of the music and ties to the literary world, at 7 p.m., the evening of the concert.
Community partners in the Season of Words and Music include the Alexandria Public Libraries, Olsson’s Books & Records, Barnes & Noble, Video Vault and the Old Town Theater. To find out more about the partnerships and the Restaurant Dinner Date Specials go to www.alexsym.org.
The Schlesinger Center is located at 3001 North Beauregard Blvd. at the Alexandria Campus of the Northern Virginia Community College. Tickets are $40-$80, with discounts for students and seniors, and may be purchased by calling 703-548-0885. For more information, visit www.alexsym.org.