Local concertgoers are in for a rare treat on October 13^th and 16^th when The Beaufort Symphony opens its 2011-2012 season. Guest soloist, Alexander Pershouinin, will offer the Koussevitsky Bass Concerto, accompanied by the orchestra. Dr. Alexander Pershounin is Associate Professor of Bass at Columbus State University in Georgia, where he is also director of jazz studies. He has performed extensively throughout Europe and the United States and has appeared with world-class artists ranging from Itzhak Perlman and Yo Yo Ma to Ray Charles and Benny Golson.

The bass is the largest member of the string family. It is shaped like a giant violin, and the instrument’s strings can be bowed or plucked while the player stands or sits on a high stool. The bass, usually found near the back of the orchestra, takes center stage for this concerto, which was written by the young Serge Koussevitzsky, legendary Russian conductor of the Boston Symphony.

Maestro Frederick Devyatkin has chosen Symphony #2 by the great Finnish composer, Jean Sibelius to round out ‘A Twentieth Century Celebration.’ Sibelius (1865-1957) was known as an intensely nationalistic composer. He began plans for the Second symphony while visiting in Italy. It was first performed in Helsinki in 1902 with the composer conducting, and was instantly embraced by the Finns, who had a fierce longing for freedom from Tsarist Russia. He was particularly interested in the natural landscape of Finland, and his music evidenced strong ties to his beloved homeland.

The Second Symphony established Sibelius as a major composer in the world of music. One hundred years later his compositions are often performed and his Second Symphony is considered the most popular of his seven symphonies. Among his other well- known works are the tone poems for orchestra, ‘Finlandia’ and ‘The Swan of Tuonela.’ Although extremely prolific in his early years, he composed very little during the last thirty years of his life.

The Finnish government honored him by placing his image on the 100 mark bill, which was retired from circulation in 2002.

Maestro Devyatkin and the musicians of the BSO invite you to become a subscribing member of our audience this season. By doing so you ensure that your seat will be waiting for you, and together we will continue to “Keep the Music Live”!

Musicians interested in performing with the Beaufort Symphony Orchestra are invited to contact Maestro Devyatkin at 912-232-7250 or Olive Warrenfeltz at 843-575-3813.

The Beaufort Youth Orchestra, also under the direction of Maestro Devyatkin, is a full symphonic group attracting skilled young string, brass, woodwind, and percussion players from throughout the Beaufort, Bluffton, and Savannah areas. 

In addition, First Orchestra, led by Ami Rabinowitz, welcomes those who are just beginning ensemble experience. Young people who would like to become involved with either group are asked to contact Greta Maddox, liaison to our youth groups, at 843-476-1310.

The Beaufort Symphony Orchestra 2011-2012 Season

Frederick Devyatkin, Musical Director

20th Century Celebration

Thursday Evening, October 13th, 2011 - 8:00 P.M.

Sunday Matinee, October 16th, 2011 - 3:00 P.M.

Serge Koussevitzsky   - Concerto for Double Bass

Featuring Alexander Pershounin, Bass

Sibelius - Symphony #2

December Musings - Music of the Season

Sunday Matinee, December 18th, 2011 - 3:00 P.M.

Thursday Evening, December 15th, 2011 - 8:00 P.M.

Mendelssohn Mania

Mendelssohn - Piano Concerto in G minor

Featuring Arthur Tollefson, Piano

Mendelssohn - Symphony #5 – “Reformation”

Thursday Evening, March 1st, 2012 - 8:00 P.M.

Sunday Matinee, March 4th, 2012 - 3:00 P.M.

Primavera Pops

Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco - Guitar Concerto No. 1 in D Major

Featuring Daniel Salazar, Classical Guitarist

Thursday Evening, May 3rd, 2012 - 8:00 P.M.

Sunday Matinee, May 6th, 2012 - 3:00 P.M.

USCB Performing Arts Center

801 Carteret Street, Beaufort

Adults $35, Youth through High School $5

Season Subscriptions by calling 843-524-3593; 843-838-9309

Individual tickets at the Beaufort Orchestra’s website

www.beaufortorchestra.org or

Call Ticket Fusion (toll free) 1-877-548-3237

Remaining tickets at the door, if available

This organization is funded in part by the South Carolina Arts Commission, which receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts.

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