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MainStage 1 - Gratitude and Commemoration

  • First Congregational Church of Berkeley 2330 Durant Avenue Berkeley, CA, 94704 United States (map)

Jory Fankuchen, Conductor

This Concert is Dedicated to the
Memory of Constance Bernstein

Florence Price
Andante Moderato for String Orchestra (1929)

Dmitri Shostakovich
String Quartet No. 8 in C minor, Op. 110, arranged for String Orchestra

Felix Mendelssohn
Symphony No. 3, Op. 56 “Scottish”

Jory Fankuchen, Conductor

Constance Bernstein

We begin our season with three pieces of great vibrancy and depth of meaning.  Recently discovered music manuscripts of the African-American Composer, Florence Price (1887-1953) has sparked a revival of her music, with “Andante Moderato” coming from her earlier compositions.  While the influence of the late Romantic composers is evident, so too are the distinctive sounds and strength of African American Spirituals.  Shostakovich’s “Chamber Symphony” comes from his poignant and dynamic 8th String Quartet, composed in 1960.  This quartet was dedicated to the victims of fascism and World War II, with some saying he wrote it as his own epitaph.  The program culminates with Mendelssohn’s vibrant “Scottish” symphony, depicting ancient Scottish ruins and their legends, enveloped by the wild landscapes of Scotland.


Supporting Government Organizations

 
 

Supporting Foundations

Clarence E. Heller Charitable Foundation

Bernard Osher Foundation

Raymond Family Foundation

Bernard E. and Alba Witkin Charitable Foundation

Anonymous Family Foundation

Earlier Event: October 21
MainStage 1 - Gratitude and Commemoration
Later Event: November 6
Sharp String Quartet