The Burbank Philharmonic presents Symphonic Favorites, their spring concert featuring two winners of the orchestra’s Hennings-Fischer Young Artists Competition, violist Elizabeth Beilman and clarinetist Joseph Morris, on Saturday, May 10.
The free concert program includes Bartok’s Viola Concerto, Debussy’s Premiere Rhapsody for Clarinet and Orchestra, Rossini’s Introduction, Theme and Variations for Clarinet and Orchestra, Smetana’s The Moldau and Capriccio Espagnol by Rimsky-Korsakov.
“From the beginning, our mission has been to make great works of music accessible to everyone, which is why we have never charged for admission,” commented Music Director and conductor Steven Kerstein, who founded the Burbank Philharmonic in 1991.
“But we are equally committed to helping not only those members of our community who love to attend concerts but those who make them happen,” Kerstein continued. “The Hennings-Fischer Young Artists Competition is one very important way we achieve this goal.”
“It was thrilling to win but completely unexpected,” commented Morris. “The first winner Steve [Kerstein] announced was Elizabeth Beilman – who was my girlfriend then and is now my fiancée. I was ecstatic that she won.”
“At that point, of course, I had also completely resigned myself to not winning the competition,” Morris continued. “But then, Steve explained that the jury had decided to choose two instrumental winners that year.”
Beilman will wear a gown decorated with Swarovski crystals and designed especially for this concert by college student Angie Ortiz, as part of the “Fashion Meets the Phil” project through Woodbury University’s Department of Design.
“We are performing the Smetana Moldau in tribute to the late Dr. Milo Pelc, who was one of the founding members of the board of the Burbank Philharmonic Orchestra,” said Kerstein. “He was also a very notable conductor in the Czech Republic and was one of the top conductors in Hollywood for many years. We will miss him greatly.”
Rimsky-Korsakov’s Capriccio Espagnol showcases “the many talented solo principals of the Burbank Philharmonic Orchestra,” added Kerstein.
The festivities begin at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday with an instrumental petting zoo outside Forest Lawn’s Hall of Liberty. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Admission and parking are free. Print out courtesy admission tickets here. For more information on the Burbank Philharmonic Orchestra, visit their website.
Who won the 2015 Hennings = Fischer Foundation Young Artists Competition ??? Thank you. CD
We just received the winner and it will be posted shortly
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