Michigan Philharmonic offers magical Mahler

PLYMOUTH, Mich. - Jan. 5, 2023 - PRLog -- The Michigan Philharmonic kicks off the second half of its historic 77^th season with a special Sunday afternoon performance on Jan. 22 inside the St. John's Chapel in Plymouth.

Led by Conductor and Music Director Nan Washburn, now in her 24th season, the Philharmonic will offer another in its series of "Miniature Masterpieces," this time focused on "Magical Mahler" and featuring a Peruvian composer as well as a well-known American soprano.

The main highlight of the 2 p.m. concert will be Mahler's "Symphony No. 4 in G Major" (1900) with soprano Audrey Kline. Normally a full orchestra piece, the Phil's arrangement will be somewhat smaller for just 15 musicians.

Also being showcased is a piece by Peruvian composer Jimmy López Bellido called "Avec Swing for Chamber Ensemble" (2010). A native of Lima, López has created works performed by leading orchestras around the world and in prestigious venues. One of his most famous works, "Fiesta!" has been performed more than 100 times worldwide, making it one of the most performed contemporary orchestral works. His "Bel Canto," a full-length opera, premiered in 2015 and was broadcast on PBS' Great Performances.

The third piece is an arrangement of Amanda Aldridge's "Three Arabian Dances" by Washburn. Aldridge is a nearly forgotten Afro-British composer who created "Dances" in 1920 and others under the pseudonym Montague Ring.

A pre-concert brunch is being offered on Sunday at the Five Steakhouse beginning at 11:30 a.m. The cost is $35 per person. For brunch details email info@michiganphil.org.

"Miniature Masterpieces" is a highly popular series featuring a more intimate orchestra with carefully crafted versions of classics like Mahler and others. In the previous season, for example, the Phil showcased mandolin music.

For tickets, contact the Philharmonic at www.michiganphil.org or call (734) 451-2112. St. John's Chapel is located at 44045 Five Mile in Plymouth Township.

All of the Philharmonic's concerts are subject to time and date changes as well as health restrictions mandated by the State of Michigan.