The Massapequa Philharmonic Orchestra recently hosted the first of four concerts in Nassau County on Sunday, March 23, “Worlds and Soundworlds,” led by music director David Bernard.
The concert, which explored works from composers Igor Stravinsky, Franz Joesph Haydn, and Antonin Dvorak, featured a trumpet soloist from Massapequa High School, senior Austin Benedict.
The concert opened with Antonin Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9 in E minor from “From the New World.” Dvorak, a Czech composer, lived from 1841 to 1904 and composed Symphony No. 9 in E minor from “From the New World” in 1893.
Dvorak divided the Symphony into four movements: Adagio, Largo, Scherzo, and Finale. The Massapequa Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance of the Symphony transported the audience to a whimsical serenade where each movement was sewn together in harmonious perfection with the last.
The concert’s soloist, Austin Benedict, stepped onto the stage next to perform composer Franz Joesph Haydn’s Trumpet Concerto Andante with backing instrumentals from the Massapequa Philharmonic Orchestra.
The remainder of the “Worlds and Soundworlds” concert showcased work by Russian composer Igor Stravinsky from 1910, “The Firebird”. “The Firebird” is a ballet set to Stravinsky’s composition following the story of Prince Ivan and his foraged friendship with a firebird who aids him in battle against the evil and immortal Koschei.
The composition of “The Firebird” is unique compared to other compositions due to Stravinsky’s use of specialist techniques, including Monticello, col legno, and more. These techniques were exquisite in their execution with Bernard’s guiding hand Sunday afternoon.
In the language of music, Bernard led the audience through the thrilling narrative of “The Firebird.” The Massapequa Philharmonic Orchestra split the suite from “The Firebird” in two, allowing Maestro David Bernard to illustrate the scene for the audience beforehand ensuring that the musical journey fully captured Stravinsky’s image.
The Massapequa Philharmonic Orchestra is hosting various concerts throughout the summer, beginning with “Virtuosic Visions,” which will feature violin prodigy Ellie Liu on May 4.
Audiences can also look forward to the Massapequa Philharmonic Orchestra’s “Symphonies from Space on June 1, “Out of This World” on July 13, and “Bernstein and Gershwin on Broadway” in August at the Morgan Park Summer Music Festival.
