The major orchestra concerts for the 23rd Season of the Hot Springs Music Festival, June 3 – 16, are designed to appeal to all ages and presented in ways to enhance the live concert experience. Music Director, Peter Bay, and 2018 Principal Conductor Stefan Sanders have selected the following for the three orchestra concerts, all at 7.30 pm at Oaklawn Magnet School:
On Thursday, June 7, Star Wars Main Theme and Cantina Band by John Williams, followed by The Planets by Gustav Holst, with large-screen images. In between the movements, Maestro Stefan Sanders will provide commentary, in the manner of the late conductor Leonard Bernstein’s Young People’s Concerts.
“This year marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of Leonard Bernstein,” said Lynn Payette, Executive Director of the Hot Springs Music Festival, “and his music will be featured in both our orchestra and chamber concerts.”
On Tuesday, June 12, audiences will be treated to a night at the movies, enjoying themes from Around the Word in 80 Days, by Victor Young; Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, by John Williams; The Godfather by Nino Rota; Hymn to the Fallen from Saving Private Ryan featuring the Hot Springs Music Festival Chorus and members of The Village Chorale, also by John Williams; and Symphonic Dances from West Side Story by Leonard Bernstein.
Lynn Payette indicated that “the audience survey cards we distribute at each concert have consistently requested the music of John Williams be performed at some point and we want to assure our faithful supporters that we do all we can to honor such requests, when possible.”
The finale concert on June 16 will consist of a clarinet concerto and the epic Symphony No 1 by Gustav Mahler. “The Mahler is a fitting conclusion to what we hope will be a season that will be as enjoyable as it is inspiring,” Payette added.
For more information about the Hot Springs Music Festival and to securely purchase Festival Passes, visit the website: hotmusic.org, call the Festival office at 501-623-4763, or email office@hotmusic.org.
