Savory Symphony
The symphony has always reminded us of engaging melodies, and after this season, the symphony might even trigger memories of taste. Taste buds, that is.
For its 74th season, the Springfield Symphony Orchestra has paired up with the Springfield/Branson Chef’s Association to bring you “A Feast for the Senses—Come Savor the Sound.”
Chefs from restaurants around 417-land, such as Nakato, Fire and Ice, The Tower Club and Cook’s Kettle, are each assigned to one concert, for which they use the music of the night to inspire a dish.
“We’re always looking for that thing to make the experience more satisfying because that’s what we owe to our audience,” says Ron Spigelman, symphony music director.
From big band to Irish jigs to Beethoven, the symphony offers a wide variety of music this season with six classical and three pops programs sure to inspire dishes for every taste.
Ron Spigelman’s BlogCan’t get enough of the arts? Visit Ron Spigelman’s blog to catch up on local and national symphony news and learn the intricacies of the arts world. Since its start last November, Spigelman’s blog “Sticks and Drones,” which is updated two to three times a week, has received more than 21,000 hits. “I comment on things that are going on in the orchestra world and slant them towards the idea that we’re in the people business,” says Spigelman. “We need to be aware that our No. 1 challenge is relevance.” Spigelman also uses the blog as an integral part of a class he teaches in the fall at Drury University about audience connections. He posts his students’ papers about audiences and how to cater to them on the blog, and he hopes to podcast his class. “When looking at the art world, there are two things that we have to remember,” says Spigelman. “We cannot keep trying to convince the community that they need to support us. We need to support them. Also, I don’t believe that art and music can change the world. Only people can change the world. Art and music can change people that can change the world.” Check out Spigelman’s blog on adaptistration.com/sticksanddrones.
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September
The symphony kicks off its food-inspiring program on September 13 with “Fated Destiny!” Guest violinist Michael Ludwig and guest cellist Mark Kosower are playing Brahms’ Double Concerto.
October
In October, “Swing, Swing, Swing!” is what Spigelman describes as “big band on steroids.” Jazz vocalist Nancy Kelly will join local saxophone master Randy Hamm and jazz musicians from around the region.
November
November brings the enormous sounds of Mahler’s Symphony No. 5 in “Mahler the Magnificent!” A winner of the 2008 Hellam Young Artist’s Competition will also present Weber’s Clarinet Concerto No. 2.
December
In true symphony tradition, December’s concert includes festive selections in “Home for the Holidays.”
January
To start off 2009, “Sound the Horn!” showcases Julia Pilant, a horn player and Springfield native currently performing with the Metropolitan Opera in New York City.
February
For Valentine’s Day, the symphony’s “Rhapsody Meets Fantasy—A Valentine’s Day Delight!” provides music from a classic love story, Romeo and Juliet, and its contemporary, West Side Story.
March
March’s show will combine the choirs from Missouri State University, Evangel University, College of the Ozarks and Drury University, along with four world-renowned vocalists, to belt out Verdi’s Requiem.
April
In April, “It’s Organic” showcases Augustin Hadelich, who plays Beethoven’s Violin Concerto along with symphony performances of Mozart and Saint-Saëns.
May
The Grammy-nominated Irish group Cherish the Ladies will sing and play Celtic jigs and ballads alongside energetic dancers.
The 411
What: How to get tickets
When: The first show is on September 13, with one show per month until May.
Where: Individual tickets are on sale at missouristatetix.com. Buy season tickets from the Springfield Symphony Orchestra office at 411 N. Sherman Parkway, Springfield, or call 417-864-6683.
Cost: Individual show tickets range from $9–$32, and full season tickets range from $65–$216. Season tickets bought after the season starts will be pro-rated based on the shows you have missed. Tickets for all three pops concerts are from $22-$77, and tickets for all six classical concerts are from $43-$139.
More Info: 417-864-6683, springfieldmosymphony.org
