Owensboro Symphony to kick off 58th season Saturday

Oct. 17—The Owensboro Symphony will officially kick off its 58th season with its "Opening Night" concert starting at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, inside the RiverPark Center's Cannon Hall.

The program will be highlighted by performances including French composer Hector Berlioz's "Symphonie Fantastique." Australian-born French horn player Andrew Bain, a principal horn of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, will join the symphony to perform Eric Ewazen's "Concerto for Horn and String Orchestra."

"We are so excited to get back in the concert hall," said Gwyn Payne, the symphony's chief executive officer. "We had a spectacular summer of playing some amazing outdoor concerts, but there is nothing like being inside Cannon Hall, seeing our patrons and playing for them."

"There really is nothing like the feeling of opening night for the musicians, patrons and me," said Troy Quinn, the symphony's music director and conductor. "When the first notes of the opening piece are played, ... you can feel the energy in the room rise.

"We can't wait," Quinn said.

Quinn said the first concert of the season will be an "unforgettable experience," thanks to a strong collection of music, including Berlioz's work, which is considered "a masterpiece of Romantic music composed in the 19th century."

"It's known for its vivid orchestration, dramatic narrative and emotional intensity," Quinn said. "The symphony tells the story of an artist who becomes obsessed with a woman leading to a series of vivid and surreal fantasies."

"Its influence can be felt in later Romantic composers such as (Richard) Wagner and (Pyotr Ilyich) Tchaikovsky, and it remains a popular performed work today in orchestras across the globe," Quinn said.

Bain's involvement is a great opportunity for the performers, the patrons and the local arts scene at-large, Quinn said.

"The LA Philharmonic is one of the best orchestras in the world. Including (its) principal horn player in our 'Opening Night' in Owensboro is showcasing our commitment to being a vibrant part of the arts community," he said. "Andrew's impressive musical skills and experience bring a new level of excellence to the orchestra. His deep knowledge of the French horn and his years of practice and dedication to the art of music are sure to inspire other musicians in the orchestra as well as the community."

Besides pieces from Berlioz and Ewazen, Quinn said Camille Saint-Saëns' "Marche Militaire Francaise" from "Suite Algérienne" will also be performed. And he hinted there may be "a little Halloween surprise."

The program will also include the return of "Behind the Music with Troy Quinn," a free special pre-concert conversation taking place from 6:15-6:40 p.m. in Cannon Hall, to give insight about the music that will be presented.

The conversation, presented by Baird Private Wealth Management — The Settle Group, has been "refreshed" this year, Payne said, by adding moderator/host Mitch Settle to the program.

Bain will also serve as a special guest for the pre-concert event.

"It's a casual and informative program, designed to enhance the enjoyment of the concert by providing insights into the music and music-makers for the evening," Payne said.

"Classical music can seem intimidating, but we try to make it approachable and enjoyable," Quinn said. "We always want people to just give a concert a try."

Tickets are available for purchase by calling 270-684-0661, in-person at the RiverPark Center box office or by visiting owensborosymphony.org.

The Owensboro Symphony's 58th season is sponsored by Owensboro Health, with the "Opening Night" concert being sponsored by premier sponsor Wyatt, Tarrant & Combs, LLP and corporate partner Martina Temple.