Three titans of music stand at the top of the composer mountain: Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven. In their time they were Elvis, The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, with a similar relationship of mutual appreciation.
All three of these giants will have a spot in the Prince George Symphony Orchestra limelight on Nov. 15. The concert includes the overture to Mozart's magical, mystical last opera The Magic Flute; Haydn's popular Trumpet Concerto with the PGSO's own Al Cannon as featured soloist; and Beethoven's effervescent Seventh Symphony.
"It's the first time I've done a concert with all three on the same programme," said PGSO artistic director Kevin Zakresky who designed the show. ""The concert's subtitle, Hands And Spirit, comes from a famous admonition from one of the young Beethoven's patrons. Beethoven's generous backer bankrolled a sojourn to Vienna, where the young composer was exhorted to 'receive the spirit of Mozart from the hands of Haydn.' I thought it was just the thing for a November program of all-classical music - great works that have been cornerstones of the orchestral repertoire for two centuries."
The Magic Flute and Beethoven's Seventh are well known works, but for some in the audience it might be the first time hearing the Haydn concerto. It presents an exciting opportunity for Cannon, the acting-principal trumpet player for the PGSO.
"The Haydn Concerto is very important for trumpet players in that it was actually written for the keyed trumpet, an invention that came about in the late 1700s to allow the trumpet to play every chromatic note. Think of it as being able to play all the black and white keys on the piano, instead of a handful of white keys here and there," said Cannon, who is also the head of brass for Vancouver Academy of Music and the conductor of St. James Music Academy Vancouver.
"This concerto is recognized as the catalyst which moved the trumpet from a rhythm and support instrument into the realm of melody and performing as a solo instrument," Cannon added. "The work itself is such inviting music that it is still a staple centuries later. Haydn's music often manifests his sense of light humour, often with elements of surprise. In our rendition there will definitely be some moments of humour in the first and third movements, while the second movement provides a calmingly beautiful contrast. The entire work is simply delightful - I'm very pleased for the opportunity to perform this particular work with my colleagues in the PGSO and under the direction of Dr. Zakresky."
Zakresky said the PGSO's 2014-15 season is dotted with new works by modern composers but all of them would likely pledge some sort of inspirational allegiance to those three builders from the bosom of classical music.
Hands and Spirit come alive at Vanier Hall on Nov. 15 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale at the PGSO office, Studio 2880, and through Ticketmaster (Adult $31; Senior $27; Student $15).
