The Eastern Michigan University Symphony Orchestra will be performing two pieces at 8 p.m. Friday in Pease Auditorium.
They will be playing Richard Wagner’s “Overture to the Flying Dutchman” and Johannes Brahms’s “Symphony No. 3.”
“We have been working on these pieces since our last concert on March 19,” said Kevin Miller, director of the Symphony Orchestra. “We will have had 12 rehearsals for this show.”
Miller has conducted “Symphony No.3” in years past, but he has never directed “Overture to the Flying Dutchman.”
“Overture to the Flying Dutchman” was composed as an opera in 1841. Many say the overture is an autobiography of Wagner’s life. The “flight” occurring in the background is believed to be Wagner’s escape from his creditors in 1839. His boat went through a storm on its journey, leading to the piece’s uneasy feeling. The legendary Dutchman is the main underlying context for the piece.
“Symphony No. 3” was composed in 1883 and is said to be Brahms’ most daring and adventurous work, but also his most elusive. The piece begins with two massive chords from the wind and brass in 6/4 time. The piece switches time signatures quite often, giving the listener the sense of chaos. The piece also switches from major to minor key signatures throughout.
Appointed to the EMU faculty in 1991, Miller conducts the Symphony Orchestra, coordinates the instrumental student teaching program and teaches orchestra methods and conducting. He received his Bachelor of Music degree from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and his Master of Music degree from the University of Michigan.
Friday’s concert will be the last one for the Symphony Orchestra until the fall semester. The concert is free to anyone to wishes to attend.
