Double Czech, the opening concert of the 78th Port Angeles Symphony Orchestra season, features violinist Walter Schwede performing music by Dvorak and Smetana.
Schwede began studying violin when he was 8. He served as associate concertmaster of the Seattle Symphony from 1984-1997 and concertmaster of the Pacific Northwest Ballet from 1984-1988. He frequently has served as concertmaster to the Seattle Opera, including its 2001, 2002 and 2005 Wagner Ring Cycles. He teaches violin and is coordinator of string studies at Western Washington University.
The program
Antonin Dvorak (1841-1904) was a Czech composer of symphonies, operas and chamber music. His "Festival March, Op. 54" was written in 1879 in celebration of the silver wedding of the Emperor Franz Josef and Elisabeth of Austria.
"Czech Suite," whose title derives from its three Czech dance movements, was published in 1881.
"Concerto in A Minor for Violin and Orchestra, Op. 54" was written, and mostly rewritten, for eminent Hungarian violinist Joseph Joachim between 1879-1880.
Bedrich Smetana (1824-1884), composed the folk opera "The Bartered Bride" from which the "Three Dances" are taken.
"The Moldau" is the second of six symphonic poems in "Ma Vlast" (My Country). It is named for the famous river the Moldau, which begins as two springs in the Bohemia and ultimately flows toward Prague.
Sadly Smetana never heard a single note of "My Country" as he became totally deaf in 1874 while writing the opening section.
Application information about the Port Angeles Symphony’s 25th annual Young Artist Competition and fifth annual Junior Artist Competition is on Page C-8.
What: Double Czech
Port Angeles Symphony 78th season opener
When: Saturday, Nov. 6
dress rehearsal, 10 a.m.; pre-concert chat, 6:40 p.m.; concert, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Port Angeles High School auditorium, 304 E. Park Ave., Port Angeles
Tickets: Dress rehearsal, $5 individual; $10 family; concert, $25 and $20 reserved seating; $12 adults/$10 senior and student general seating at BeeDazzled at The Buzz, 130 N. Sequim Ave., in Sequim; Port Book and News, 104 E. First St., Port Angeles; and at the door.
For reserved seating and season tickets, contact the Port Angeles Symphony office, 216-C N. Laurel St., Port Angeles; 457-5579 or pasymphony@olypen.com.
