The University of Florida (UF) Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Maestro Raymond Chobaz, will perform the compositions of some of music’s most renowned artists on Thursday, Feb. 5, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. in UF’s University Auditorium. The concert, which is free and open to the public, will sample extraordinary pieces from Mozart, Beethoven, Tomasi and Rosauro, and features two of the university’s most talented musicians, Mary McLean and Gerard Spicer, winners of the 47th Annual Concerto Competition, as well as student conductor David Santiago.
The 47th Annual Concerto Competition was held at UF’s School of Music on Oct. 4, 2014. The competition was judged by three guest soloists and featured more than 30 participants. Two winners were chosen, McLean from the undergraduate division, and Spicer from the graduate division.
The February 5 concert will begin with Mozart’s Symphony No. 32, G Major, K Major 318, which Chobaz describes as a “most spirited Mozart symphony” that highlights the emergence of the composer’s changing style. Ney Rosauro’s Concerto for Marimba and Orchestra No. 2, OP. 34 will follow and feature McLean on the marimba. Rosauro’s composition is both mystical and romantic, with sounds that echo traditional African music. Henri Tomasi’s Concerto for Saxophone and Orchestra will come next and will feature Spicer on saxophone.
Santiago will conduct the works by Rosauro and Tomasi, and the program will conclude with Beethoven’s Symphony No.8, F Major, OP. 93, a selection Chobaz characterizes as “most rambunctious,” with sure trademarks of Beethoven’s symphonic style.
“The audience should expect the unexpected,” said Chobaz. “There is nobody more qualified than Beethoven to take the audience by surprise. Our Concerto Competition winners are sure to do the same. As Mozart once said about young Beethoven, ‘Keep an eye on him, he’ll make a big noise in the world one day,’ as will our featured artists, I have no doubt.”
Established in 1911, the UF Symphony Orchestra is dedicated to the learning of symphonic music through performance. The literature includes established orchestral and choral masterworks, ballets and operas, from the 18th century to the present, by composers of all nations and genders. In accordance with the research mission of UF, the orchestra is also committed to the promotion of new and contemporary as well as noteworthy and overlooked works from the past.
About the School of Music
The School of Music is one of the University of Florida College of the Arts’ three fully-accredited schools. The School of Music plays an important role in the academic life of the University and the community. The school’s programs provide broad-based instruction in performance, composition, history and literature and music disciplines, through a strong curriculum as well as through professional experiences such as ensembles and internships. UF students also have the opportunity to join more than a dozen music ensembles, including jazz bands, the University Choir, the University Symphony Orchestra and the “Pride of the Sunshine” Fightin’ Gator Marching Band. To learn more, visit www.arts.ufl.edu/music.
About the College of the Arts
The College of the Arts, previously known as the College of Fine Arts, is one of the 16 colleges and more than 150 research centers and institutes at the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida. The College of the Arts offers baccalaureate, master’s and Ph.D. degree programs in its three institutionally-accredited schools — the School of Art + Art History, School of Music and School of Theatre + Dance. The college is home to the Center for Arts in Medicine, Center for Arts and Public Policy, Center for World Arts, Digital Worlds Institute, University Galleries and the New World School of the Arts in Miami. More than 100 faculty members and approximately than 1,200 students work together daily to engage, inspire and create. The college hosts more than 300 performances, exhibitions and events each year. Faculty and students also exhibit and perform at other local, national and international venues. To learn more, visit www.arts.ufl.edu.
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Media Contact
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University of Florida College of the Arts
Office: 352.273.1489 | Cell: 904.419.3346
lcraig@arts.ufl.edu
