CONCERTO NIGHT

THE PROGRAM:

  Soloist Amelia Zitoun plays the Boccherini G Major Cello Concerto G 480.  

Composed during a very happy time in Boccherini's life, this concerto is written in an uncomplicated, carefree manner. It is believed that Boccherinie, who was the virtuoso cellist of his day, performed this concerto himself along with five other original concerti for audiences in Paris. The piece is considered to be pre-Classical, although it was written during a time in which composers such as Haydn and C. P. E. Bach were beginning to write in the Classical style. 

Wisconsin cellist Amelia Zitoun won the second prize in the 2024 International Klein String Competition, generously given by Ruth Short in memory of Elaine H. Klein. 

INCLUDED ON THE PROGRAM:

·      William Susman: Zydeco Madness (2006) To the Forgotten of Hurricane Katrina. Composed for string orchestra, Zydeco Madness is a response to the tragic events surrounding the Hurricane Katrina disaster. Susman, who had lived in New Orleans for a year and a half, was horrified by the politicized reaction to the devastation. It is Creole-based music indigenous to Louisiana. Zydeco Madness, originally composed for accordion, was given its first performance in this version for strings by the San Jose Chamber Orchestra with Barbara Day Turner conducting in San Jose, California in 2009.

·      Antonín Dvořák: Serenade for Strings in E major, opus 22.  One of the composer’s most popular orchestral works, Serenade for Strings was composed in just two weeks in May, 1875. It consists of five movements:  

I. Moderato

II. Tempo di Valse 

III. Scherzo: Vivace 

IV. Larghetto 

V. Finale: Allegro vivace

THE ARTISTS:

Conductor: Anthony Quartuccio

San José Chamber Orchestra

Guest Artists: Amelia Zitoun, cellist