RELEASE: Omaha Symphony musicians present eclectic and intimate evening of chamber music

Principal Flute Maria Harding Shines in Flute Features by Mozart, Martinů
Works by Bach and Mozart paired with contemporary pieces by Andy Akiho, Mark O’Connor and more

OMAHA, Neb., March 4, 2021 — There is perhaps a perception that classical music demands a performer be highly skilled while “popular” music demands less—however, the program presented by members of the Omaha Symphony March 12 proves that virtuosity in music can be demonstrated among a wide range of genres, styles, and compositional time periods.

Musicians of the Omaha Symphony will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 12 at the Holland Performing Arts Center Peter Kiewit Concert Hall. The concert features works by Bach, Mozart, Martinů and Paganini as well as a diverse array of music by contemporary composers.

The second in a series of three innovative chamber music concerts from the musicians of the Omaha Symphony, Bach, Mozart, & Martinů features some of the orchestra’s best in various combinations performing chamber music treasures and hidden gems. The evening features Susanna Perry Gilmore and Keith Plenert, (violin), Thomas Kluge (viola), Greg Clinton (cello), Maria Harding (flute), Rob O’Brien and Derek Dreier (percussion), and Mark Kurtz (keyboard).

“I look forward to performing such varied chamber repertoire with my colleagues,” said Omaha Symphony Principal Flute Maria Harding. “As an orchestral musician, it’s fulfilling to sense audiences’ reactions to the big works from the likes of Mahler and Tchaikovsky, but performing chamber music gives us the opportunity to create more intimate music to which our audiences don’t often have access. Hearing a flute solo in the context of a huge orchestra is such a different experience than hearing the delicate filigree of Mozart’s gorgeous flute quartet.”

Performance Details

Friday, March 12 at 7:30 p.m.

Holland Performing Arts Center Peter Kiewit Concert Hall

MARTINU: Promenades for Flute, Violin, and Harpsichord
BACH: Trio Sonata for Flute, Violin, Cello and Harpsichord, BWV 1079
GEORGE HAMILTON GREEN: Log Cabin Blues
CHARLES WUORINEN: Eleven Short Pieces for Violin & Vibraphone
ANDY AKIHO: Hammers for Violin and Toy Piano
PAGANINI: Cantabile
MOZART: Flute Quartet in D Major, K. 285
MARK O’CONNOR: Appalachia Waltz

The concert features a diverse selection of chamber music by well-known composers like Bach, Mozart, Martinů and Paganini, but also gives audiences a rare opportunity to experience newer, rarely heard but delightful gems from contemporary composers. Living composer Mark O’Connor’s “Appalachia Waltz,” for example, gained acclaim when he performed his work with Edgar Meyer and Yo-Yo Ma, whose collaboration on “The Goat Rodeo Sessions” made a splash in the world of folk-classical crossover music.

Additionally, the evening will allow Omaha Symphony percussionists Derek Dreier and Rob O’Brien to shine in ways symphonic music does not often allow. George Hamilton Green was not only a composer and Omaha native, he was a virtuosic percussionist and paved the way for mallet instruments like the xylophone and the vibraphone in becoming solo instruments. O’Brien and Dreier are featured on xylophone, vibraphone, toy piano, and drumset in Green’s “Log Cabin Blues,” Charles Wuorinen’s Eleven Short Pieces for Violin & Vibraphone, Andy Akiho’s “Hammers,” and Paganini’s “Cantabile.”

Ticketing Information

Tickets for Bach, Mozart, & Martinů start at $20. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.omahasymphony.org, through the Ticket Omaha app or by calling Ticket Omaha at 402.345.0606. Performance dates are subject to change. In the event of performance changes or cancellations, the Omaha Symphony will email ticket holders to inform them of new dates and ticketing options. Patrons with questions may email ticketomaha@o-pa.org. The Omaha Symphony also regularly posts performance updates at omahasymphony.org, along with the Omaha Symphony’s Twitter, Facebook and Instagram pages. Patrons can sign up for the latest updates at omahasymphony.org.

Public Health Information

Performances at the Holland Performing Arts Center feature physically distanced seating and will only be seated at a maximum of 30 percent capacity. All patrons will be required to complete a health screening questionnaire prior to accessing their mobile tickets via the Ticket Omaha app. Masks are required at indoor Omaha Symphony performances. The following changes have been implemented within the venue:

  • Enhanced Cleaning & Sanitation - Electrostatic technology disinfecting large common areas, enhanced sanitizing of high touch surfaces with hospital grade disinfectant and hand sanitizing stations throughout the venue.
  • Heating and Cooling System – Upgrades to air handling units includes bipolar ionization filtering out viruses through ventilation.
  • Staff Precautions – Staff and volunteers are required to complete a health screening upon entrance to the building, wear face masks and receive temperature checks.
  • Touchless Experience – Tickets are accessible via the Ticket Omaha app. Tickets can also be printed at Will Call. Program notes will be delivered digitally.

Find the most up to date public health information at omahasymphony.org/public-health.

The Omaha Symphony is a non-profit organization that presents more than 100 live orchestral performances from September through June. In addition to Masterworks, Symphony Pops, Symphony Rocks, Movies, Symphony Joslyn, and Family series concerts, the Omaha Symphony’s nationally recognized education and community engagement programs touch the lives of more than 40,000 people each year. For tickets or information regarding the Omaha Symphony, call 402-345-0606 or visit omahasymphony.org. Programs, artists, dates, times, prices, and availability are subject to change

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