November 17, 2007
British Idyll
Roger Wilkie, violin

An evening inspired by old English folk melodies, and the elegant atmosphere of a Scottish seaside that will take you quietly away.
HOLST
VAUGHAN WILLIAMS
BRITTEN

MENDELSSOHN 		St. Paul Suite
The Lark Ascending*
Four Sea Interludes & Passacaglia
from Peter Grimes
Symphony No. 3, Scottish
Roger Wilkie, violin
A prominent and celebrated figure in Southern California, he has also performed throughout the US with a multitude of orchestras and today continues as Concertmaster for LBSO.  His playing has been described as “surpassing virtuosity, a thrilling legato tone, and a sense of full emotional engagement” by the LA Times.
 * features guest artist

Programs are listed in concert order, but are subject to change.

All concerts begin at 8 pm in the Terrace Theatre, Long Beach Performing Arts Center.

All concerts conducted by
Music Director Enrique Arturo Diemecke
Maestro’s Insights
By Enrique Arturo Diemecke

British Idyll

I love traveling to England, and I’ve been very fortunate to have been invited to guest conduct some of the greatest orchestras in London. But it’s the atmosphere of the countryside of Great Britain that’s so captivating and makes us all want to visit again and again. These four composers have each captured a different aspect of that charming land, and listening to this picturesque music is almost as much fun as traveling there!

 The best-known work on this program is The Lark Ascending, for solo violin and orchestra. We once again feature Roger Wilkie, our brilliant concertmaster. This piece is all about lyricism and beautiful tone, and Roger is a master of both. This is one of those special pieces that invite you to lose yourself completely in the music. In just 15 minutes it takes

you on such a peaceful musical journey that, at its conclusion, you may have forgotten that you’re in the Terrace Theater. Interestingly, in a 2007 survey by Great Britain’s top classics radio station, The Lark Ascending was rated its listeners’ FAVORITE work of all time!

 The least-known work on the program is by Benjamin Britten. I think he was England’s greatest 20th century composer, although some might make a case for Vaughan Williams, Elgar or Holst. Britten’s Sea Interludes are so evocative that you’ll almost be able to smell the ocean during the performance!

 I know you’ll enjoy this two-hour trip through the idyllic British countryside and seas.