Masterworks, Discovering Laura Gilbert

This program opens with Leonard Bernstein’s witty and playful Candide Overture. Bernstein passionately believed that music makes a powerful impact on the human spirit—and we’re sure you’ll agree with him after listening to this wonderful piece of music! Next on the program is the Flute Concerto by recent Pulitzer Prize Winner, Kevin Puts, featuring our own Principal Flutist, Laura Gilbert. The concerto’s rhythmic vitality and memorable melodies culminate in a highly energetic dialogue between the soloist and musicians. Closing the performance is Rimsky-Korsakov’s stirring Scheherazade, which showcases the power of the orchestra, and weaves Middle Eastern musical influences with gorgeous and colorful melodies.