Classical music as a genre is admittedly an acquired taste, but I wonder if more people would enjoy it if they sat in the audience for a live performance?
Sitting in the audience, people physically feel the sound vibrations and get goosebumps from the changes in dynamics and tonalities. Each piece tells a story, whether it is the one the composer tells or the one imagination tells the individual. Classical music is packed with emotions and can act as a balm for the soul.
There are two opportunities coming up to explore and redefine the way you think of classical music: The Masterworks Choral Ensemble (MCE) will be performing their “Ode to Music” concert on April 12 at 7:30 p.m., and the Olympia Symphony Orchestra (OSO) will be finishing their season with “New Frontiers” with special guest artist Petrit Çeku on April 19 at 7:30 p.m.
If my elevator pitch for classical music didn’t convince you to give this genre another chance, maybe these conversations with MCS and OSO will.
Promising a concert embodying the power of music, MCE’s Artistic Director and Conductor, Ben Luedke, invites this concert’s audience to reflect on the role of music in everyday lives, the significance of music throughout history, and how music creates peace, hope and community.
“Creating music is a particularly powerful experience because of the sense of vulnerability we carry in sharing our own voices, and then in coming together," Luedke said.
"There’s no clear winner or loser, nor is there a tangible goal. Instead, it is just about the process and the pursuit of this beauty. Making music requires us to be open, curious and be ourselves.”
Discussing the program, Luedke shared that it will have secular, contemporary pieces alongside a large sacred work that will fill one half of this concert.
A large orchestra and students from MCE’s partner, Saint Martin's University, will be joining MCE for this grand work. Audiences can expect to see group pieces, soloists and performances by last year’s “Youth Music Competition” winners. This variety will keep the audience intrigued and engaged.
The specific repertoire of the concert is filled with diversity and includes pieces written by Estonian and Latvian composers, as well as African American Spirituals written by black communities in times of American Slavery.
“Ode to Music” highlights the idea of music being a tool for defiance against oppressors, and is a love letter to all those people who join MCE in celebrating diversity, equity, inclusion and multigenerational collaboration.
MCE will be opening the concert with a piece called, “Let the Music Fill Your Soul,” and the text speaks to the heart of this endeavor:
“Come in, you sisters and brothers,
Come in, you cousins and daughters.
Come in, you seekers and doubters,
Come in, you seers and dreamers.
Come in, you movers and shakers,
Come in, you explorers and climbers.
Let the music make you whole.
Close your eyes and breathe together.
Sit beside a perfect stranger.
Open to the life around you,
Let the music fill your soul.”
You can purchase tickets for “Ode to Music” here.
Talking over “New Frontiers” with OSO’s Music Director and Conductor, Alexandra Arrieche, I learned that this concert will be full of delicious contrasts.
Rodrigo’s “Concierto de Aranjuez” is full of delicate and soothing sounds that invite intimate moments. Holst’s “The Planets” contrasts in how massive it is both in musicality and orchestration. As Arrieche puts it, “the audience can expect intensity and extremes in emotion, sounds, and colors … it will be incredible.”
World-Renowned guitarist, Petrit Çeku will be joining OSO on stage for the Rodrigo. Arrieche and Çeku share a sort of serendipitous and collaborative friendship.
Arrieche reflected: “He’s a very special artist and human being. He’s just pure joy and a beam of light wherever he goes. ... I’m not afraid to say that he’s probably the best guitar player in classical music at this time.”
OSO will continue to bring artists who are beautiful both in spirit and craft next season, and will announce the next season at their “Sneak Peak Soirée” on May 16 on and social media soon after.
Arrieche did give me a hint about the season: it will be themed around the idea of “Movement.”
To learn more about what “Movement” will look like next season, keep an eye on OSO’s social media pages and website.
Purchase tickets for “New Frontiers” here.
Rachel Benton is a columnist, freelance writer, performing arts enthusiast and a Thurston County local. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in History and Political Science and minor in Music. When not writing or enjoying the arts, Rachel can be found spending time with her family, friends and two golden retriever puppies (Elliot and Ernie).
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