Classical Music Concert of the Pasadena Community Orchestra

PASADENA, Calif. - March 26, 2019 - PRLog -- WHAT: PCO performs Adam's "Short Ride in a Fast Machine", Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture", as well as Stravinsky's "Violin Concerto in D" with Young Artist Competition Winner, Annelle K. Gregory, under the baton of Music Director Beth Pflueger.

Completed in 1986, John Adam's Short Ride in a Fast Machine is a post minimalism, polyrhythmic piece scored for a large symphonic orchestra. Adams once stated that he "seeks to enrich the experience of perceiving the way that time is divided" with this work. It begins with a pulsing woodblock which continues throughout, while the rest of the orchestra progresses into a fast-paced and energetic joy ride in a Lamborghini.

Russian composer Pyotr Ilych Tchaikovsky wrote the 1812 Overture in 1880. It was a piece that he was commissioned to write in order to commemorate the successful Russian defense against Napoleon's invading Grande Armée in 1812. Woven through with Russian folk melodies and the French anthem "La Marseillaise," it ends in a rousing celebration of Russia's victory with "God Save the Tsar." It has stood the test of time and is often used to celebrate the Fourth of July in America.

Originally written in 1931 in collaboration with Polish-born violinist Samuel Dushkin, Igor Stravinksy's Violin Concerto in D reinvents what a soloist concerto is. Stravinsky's lack of experience composing for the violin, resulted in a truly original work like no other. The piece combines the solo violin with other instruments and omits any hint of a flashy cadenza. We are pleased to announce that Annelle K. Gregory will be performing this piece with PCO on Friday, May 10^th, 2019.

Young Artist Competition
Each year since 1987, the Pasadena Community Orchestra holds a competition to identify, assist and feature talented young musicians in the furtherance of their musical career and education. This project is funded (in part) by a grant from City of Pasadena, Arts & Culture Commission.

Annelle K. Gregory
American violinist Annelle Kazumi Gregory is a laureate of international competitions, concert soloist, and recording artist. She is 1st Prize & Audience Choice Award winner of the 2017 National Sphinx Competition and a Laureate of the 2013 Stradivarius International Violin Competition. In her spare time, she enjoys reading Russian classics, cooking, and playing with her two cats.

WHERE: In the sanctuary of First Church of the Nazarene, 3700 E. Sierra Madre Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91107 (just west of Michillinda Avenue). Ample free parking, wheelchair accessible.

WHEN: Friday, May 10^th, 2019, 8:00 p.m.

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