The Lexington Symphony opens its 17th season at 8 p.m. tomorrow night at with selections including "Planets" by Gustav Holst and "Nocturnes" by Claude Debussy.
According to information sent from orchestra members Fred Johnson and Vanessa Gardner, Holst described his most popular work, "Planets” as a series of mood pictures.
Debussy's "Nocturnes" was inspired by a series of impressionist paintings by James McNeill Whistler.
Find out what's happening in Lexingtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Fred, Vanessa and the press release are accurate when they say the two are a “gorgeous tapestry of sound," which will probably be far better when performed by this particular symphony.
Once again, our Lexington Symphony’s performances will touch our soul, reach into our heart and fill our minds. If you haven’t heard this orchestra, then you’re missing a group of brilliantly talented musicians.
Find out what's happening in Lexingtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Jonathan McPhee leads the symphony. His real job is as conductor and music director for the Boston Ballet. He spends his off time doing the same job for Lexington and the Nashua Symphony and Chorus. He is one of New England’s leading musical talents and has conducted orchestras all over the world.
Jonathan, a kind, talented and very busy man shared a few thoughts on the debut performances.
“Holst’s "Planets" and Debussy’s "Nocturnes" are two of the most inspirational and colorful pieces of the 20th century,” he wrote to Patch. “Holst’s 'Planets' emerged from the angst of World War II and pointed us to places beyond our world with visions of optimism and hope. Debussy broke new ground in orchestral colors in sounds, exploring dimensions never heard before.”
Jonathan said he wanted to kick off the latest season “with two pieces that inspire and are just great fun to experience live.”
If you’ve had the pleasure of hearing this orchestra you know what he means. If you haven’t then get there tomorrow night. Tickets are $50, $40, $30, and $20. Purchase on the website or at the door.
If you already have tickets at Will-Call, make sure and get there 15 minutes before the 8 p.m. start.
For those who don’t know – and there may be two or three people out there – the Lexington Symphony contains dedicated musicians who share a passion for music and perfecting its performances.
Oh, and one more thing. Town Hall is being renovated, so staffers are tucked on the upper and lower floors of Cary Memorial Building, which means there isn’t enough space for pre-concert Conductor Talks this season.
Next year! For now enjoy tomorrow night's performance.