Classical music lovers live for concerts like this one; concerts that feature the genius of beloved musical masters, energizing and uplifting the audience. David Lockington and the Grand Rapids Symphony present “Mozart and Beethoven,” Friday, Jan. 27 and Saturday, Jan. 28 at 8 p.m. at DeVos Performance Hall. This concert is part of the Richard and Helen DeVos Classical Series.
“I love conducting unusual pieces and works that challenge the orchestra, but there’s nothing like coming back to basics,” said Music Director David Lockington.
The evening will begin with Weber’s dramatic Overture to his opera “Der Freischütz” (The Marksman). The opera is considered one of the most well-known German romantic operas of its time. Inspired by traditional folk music, the opera is based upon a German folk tale about a marksman who contracts with the devil for bullets to hit targets without fail.
“I am so moved by the timbre of the horns in this piece,” said Lockington. “It brings in the themes of the supernatural in a deeply romantic era.”
The concert will continue with Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 5, featuring special guest Steven Moeckel. The concerto, nicknamed “The Turkish,” was written in Salzburg where Mozart was the violin concertmaster of the court orchestra. Over a two-year period in Salzburg, Mozart managed to churn out more than 100 compositions.
“It’s a very challenging concerto,” said Lockington. “It requires great panache and precision.”
The evening will concludes with Beethoven’s Symphony No. 2. This joyful, optimistic work reflects Beethoven’s ability to transcend his own problems in order to create beauty. It was written at a time when Beethoven began to take note of his hearing loss, becoming deeply depressed that it might be an incurable affliction.
Lockington admitted that while Symphony No. 2 is one of Beethoven’s lesser-known works, it is one of his favorites to perform.
“It’s classical and pushing the boundaries way beyond his usual style,” said Lockington. “It really should be heard.”
Born in Germany, guest artist Steven Moeckel began his musical career first as violinist. He then performed as principal soprano soloist for the renowned Vienna Boys Choir at the age of eleven. After leaving the choir, Moeckel resumed violin studies at the Mozarteum in Salzburg, graduating with honors at the age of nineteen. He immediately assumed the position of Co-concertmaster of Germany’s Ulm Philharmonic, where he remained for three seasons. He currently resides in Phoenix, Arizona where he performs regularly as soloist and holds the Concertmaster position of the Phoenix Symphony.
Tickets
Tickets start at $18 and are available at the Symphony office, weekdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 300 Ottawa NW, Suite 100, (located across from the Calder), or by calling 616-454-9451, Ext. 4. (Phone orders will be charged a $2 per ticket service fee, with a $12 maximum.) Tickets are available at the DeVos Place Box Office, weekdays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., or on the day of the concert beginning two hours prior to the performance. Tickets may also be purchased through Ticketmaster, 800/982-2787, online at www.grsymphony.org, or in person at Ticketmaster outlets: select D&W Fresh Market, Family Fare Stores and Walmart. Tickets purchased at these locations will include a Ticketmaster service fee.
This is a Student Passport Concert.
The Grand Rapids Symphony Student Passport Program is a fantastic opportunity for students of any age to experience select orchestral performances for $5. Students use a membership card to purchase a ticket at the door. Membership cards can be acquired by filling out an application online or at a concert. More information, online application, and list of valid concerts at grsymphony.org/studentpassport.
About the Grand Rapids Symphony
The Grammy-nominated Grand Rapids Symphony was officially organized in 1930 and is recognized as one of America’s leading regional orchestras. Led by Music Director David Lockington, eight concert series are presented, featuring a wide range of music and performance styles. More than 400 performances are presented each year, touching the lives of some 170,000. Nearly half of those who benefit are students, senior citizens and people with disabilities reached through extensive education and community service programs. The Symphony sponsors the Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus, Grand Rapids Youth Symphony and Classical Orchestra, Grand Rapids Symphony Youth Choruses, and also provides the orchestra for Opera Grand Rapids and the Grand Rapids Ballet Company. To learn more about the Grand Rapids Symphony, please visit www.grsymphony.org.
These concerts are made possible with support from the Michigan Council of Arts and Cultural Affairs, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.