Johnstown Symphony Orchestra performance to feature four-time Grammy nominee

Feb. 4—JOHNSTOWN, Pa. — A violin concerto along with a symphonic masterpiece will be celebrated at this concert.

The Johnstown Symphony Orchestra will present "Mountaintop Masterpieces by Perry and Brahms" at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 10 at Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center on the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown campus, Richland Township.

Music Director James Blachly will conduct renowned violinist Curtis Stewart and the orchestra in Julia Perry's long-neglected yet strikingly beautiful "Concerto for Violin and Orchestra," and an arrangement of her early choral work "Ye, Who Seek the Truth."

Stewart's accolades include four Grammy nominations. He is artistic director of the American Composers Orchestra and a professor at The Juilliard School.

For the second half of the concert, the symphony will perform Johannes Brahms' future- looking and culminating achievement of symphonic form, "Symphony No. 4 in E Minor."

Blachly said the concert pairs two composers who epitomize an unceasing commitment to the craft of composition, and two works that define their finest work.

"Brahms' 'Symphony No. 4' is exquisite — music that brings power, beauty and wonder in equal measure," he said. "Perry's 'Concerto for Violin and Orchestra' is one of her most important compositions, and yet we will be giving only the third public performance in history with this concert. Curtis and I believe in the value of the work, and our prediction is that we will hear many more performances in the years to come of this newly discovered masterpiece."

Prior to the concert at 6 p.m., NatureWorks organizers Sue Konvolinka and Melissa Reckner will host "Growing Our Future" in the lobby.

Nine organizations, including Mountain Laurel Trout Unlimited, will be present before and during intermission of the concert to share news of their work, promote membership and highlight local natural resources. Activities will be geared toward adults.

In addition, Blachly and Stewart will hold a pre-concert talk from 6:30 to 7 p.m. to discuss the composers' inspirations, delve into the intricate musical themes and gain insights into the historical context that shaped the works to be performed.

Ticket prices range from $38 to $58. There also are $5 "Pick Your Price" tickets along with $10 student tickets and reduced tickets for seniors and veterans.

They can be ordered by calling 814-535-6738 or online at www. johnstownsymphony.org.