Michigan Phil presents Franck, Fireflies and Fortissimos

Michigan Philharmonic Presents “Franck, Fireflies & Fortissimos”
Sunday, March 10, 2019 2:00 pm
First United Methodist Church, Plymouth
Featuring Composer David Biedenbender and Trombonist, Ava Ordman Pre-concert talk at 1:15 pm.

The Michigan Philharmonic, under the direction of Music Director and Conductor, Nan Washburn presents, “Frank, Fireflies & Fortissimos” on Sunday, March 10 at 2:00 pm at the First United Methodist Church in Plymouth.

Composer David Biedenbender and Trombonist Ava Ordman, bring a joyful Trombone Concerto inspired by the composers’ children and the way they see the wonders of the world - while Franck’s dazzling Symphony in D Minor is “nothing but pure music.” The concert program also features Mozart’s Symphony No. 35- “Haffner”. Written in 1782 for his friend, Sigmund Haffner, Mozart honored him with this glorious piece of music which elevated his compositional cache amongst the elite in Vienna. Rounding out the program is the Symphony in D Minor by Cesar Franck. This is the most famous of Franck’s works and was a standard of orchestral repertoire for decades. It isn’t played as much today, which is sad because the piece, which apparently outraged his conservative wife, who railed against its morally compromising sensuality and passion – is an extraordinary piece of music blending together French and German musical styles. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to hear both a Trombone Concerto and Franck’s masterpiece – all on the same concert. For tickets and information call 734 451-2112 orwww.michiganphil.org

Special guest, composer, David Biedenbender, is Assistant Professor of Composition in the College of Music at Michigan State University. David’s music has been described as “simply beautiful” [twincities.com], “striking” and “brilliantly crafted” [Times Argus] and is noted for its “rhythmic intensity” [NewMusicBox] and “stirring harmonies” [Boston Classical Review]. He received the Doctor of Musical Arts and Master of Music degrees in composition from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and the Bachelor of Music degree in composition and theory from Central Michigan University. David’s piece was written for the Michigan Philharmonic and several other orchestras as part of a commission consortium to feature trombonist, Ava Ordman – also on faculty at Michigan State University. Ordman, who served as principal trombone with the Grand Rapids Symphony for twenty- four years, starting when she was 19, also worked as a psychologist! She was recently awarded the Neil Humfeld Award from the International Trombone Association for her excellence in teaching. She is principal trombone of both the Lansing Symphony and the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music Orchestra. Working with Biedenbender on the Concerto, Ava asked him to, “just write me a great piece of music and I’ll figure out how to play it!” And that’s exactly what happened. The piece, which premiered in Lansing last year, was a fun challenge to perform and is not to be missed.

Embarking on her 20th season as Music Director and Conductor of the Michigan Philharmonic Nan Washburn is driving the classical music scene in SE Michigan with programming that celebrates innovation and diversity while focusing on education for people of all ages. This season, entitled “The NANiversary”, celebrates the programming which has put the Michigan Philharmonic on the map. From this extraordinary concert to the conclusion- Phil-Palooza² - the Michigan Phil has something for everyone. In other words, really cool classical music is right in your backyard. For information on all these concerts, please call the Phil at 734 451-2112 or visit www.michiganphi.org. Follow the Phil on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Orchestrating the Extraordinary!