Events

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

ANNA CLYNE (b. 1980)

Masquerade

Composer Anna Clyne had this to say about her work: “Masquerade is inspired by the promenade concerts that happened in London’s pleasure gardens in the mid-1700s. Just like today, these concerts were places where people from all walks of life came together to enjoy all kinds of music. There was also lots of entertainment, like acrobatics, street performers, dancers, fireworks, and masquerades. I find the connection between music and dance really fascinating. The fancy costumes and masks at masquerades made everything feel exciting and special. That feeling is what I want to capture in Masquerade.

“The music comes from two main melodies. The first theme is like a chorus that welcomes the audience and invites them into a magical world. The second theme is ‘Juice of Barley,’ an old English country dance tune and drinking song that first appeared in a 1695 book called The English Dancing Master.”

SERGEI PROKOFIEV (1891–1953)

Select movements from Romeo & Juliet

Set in Verona, Italy, Sergei Prokofiev's ballet Romeo and Juliet brings to life the famous story of two young lovers from feuding families. Prokofiev started composing the music for this ballet while living in the Soviet Union in the 1930s, a time when artists had to follow strict government rules about what kind of art they could create. Inspired by Shakespeare's classic tale, he crafted a score that captures the excitement, joy, and heartbreak of Romeo and Juliet's love story. The music is filled with beautiful melodies and dramatic moments, making it an emotional journey that highlights the struggles of love in a world filled with conflict. Through this ballet, Prokofiev shows how powerful love can be, even in the face of tragedy.

GREGORY SMITH (1891–1953)

The Orchestra Games

If you’ve ever visited a Disney theme park or watched Star Trek or caught up on the latest game on ESPN, you’ve likely already heard some of the music composed or arranged by American composer Gregory Smith! His family and educational symphonic works—like today’s The Orchestra Games—are the most performed in the genre and have been enjoyed by kids all around the U.S. and the world, including China, South Korea, Greece, Germany, Australia, and … the list goes on!