By Nathan Allen
posted
Jan 17, 2013
RUTLAND-The Vermont Symphony Orchestra is unique because it is
the oldest (and one of very few) state supported orchestras in the
country. The orchestra is presenting a 3 p.m. matinee performance
on Sunday, Jan. 20 at the Paramount Theater in Rutland. This event,
entitled "Youth and Beauty," is the second of three performed in
Rutland. It was preceded by the Holiday Pops in December and it
will be followed by another concert on March 10.
The orchestra will perform Zoltán Kodály's "Summer Evening",
Edward Elgar's "Cello Concerto" and Felix Mendelsshon's "Symphony
no. 5 Reformation". The "Summer Evening" part of the show will
feature a mixed media presentation. Marketing director, Amy
Caldwell explains, "We have a series of artists who painted as
inspired by a piece of music which the orchestra will play. Their
artwork has been formatted into a visual presentation that will be
projected above the orchestra as they play. The original
artworks will be on display inside the Paramount and the artists
will be present as well."
The cello concerto will feature 19 year old Cicely Parnas.
Caldwell says, "she just won the Concert Artist Series
International Audition first prize. That award is going to catapult
her into the big leagues. We might not see her in our state again."
Critics and teachers have called Parnas "a talent that comes along
once in a generation" and "one of the finest young artists today."
Leading the day's performance will be Jaime Laredo as conductor and
music director.
The lovingly restored Paramount Theater is ideal for a grand
event like this. Caldwell says, "We love to the Paramount.
Everybody thinks the acoustics are great there and the artists love
the stage. The patrons in Rutland are wonderful, you couldn't ask
for better patrons. We have a great working relationship with The
Paramount. It's really nice to work with those folks. It's nice to
be playing in central Vermont because we can draw from a lot of
areas in the state. We have built quite a little patronage over the
years." Go to paramountvt.org to buy tickets because these
matinees often sell out. Tickets range from $9-30, also available
at the Box Office at 802-775-0903.
