Hymns of Nature

Missy Mazzoli - Sinfonia (for Orbiting Spheres)

Einojuhani Rautavaara - Cantus Arcticus: Concerto for Birds and Orchestra

Ludwig van Beethoven - Symphony No. 6, Pastoral

Our program begins with music in the shape of a solar system: Sinfonia (for Orbiting Spheres) by Missy Mazzoli. With its varying layers of sound, mesmerizing repetitions, and rich interplay of textures and patterns. As the composer notes, "It’s a piece that churns and roils, that inches close to the listener only to leap away at breakneck speed, in the process transforming the ensemble turns into a makeshift hurdy-gurdy, flung recklessly into space."

Next is Cantus Arcticus, also known as Concerto for Birds and Orchestra, by the Finnish composer Einojuhani Rautavaara. Of this piece, which incorporates tape recordings of birdsong with the orchestra, the New York Times noted "is a markedly different concerto – indeed, it is doubtful that there exists any precedent for this strange and exhilarating composition."

The program ends with Ludwig van Beethoven's Symphony No. 6, Pastoral. From the feeling of arriving in the countryside, the burbling brook, the peasants' dance, thunderstorm and "Shepherd's Song", this monumental composition will welcome us into Spring (albeit in February -- and by then we'll definitely be needing this!)

Please join us for this celebration of our natural world. The concert will be at MassBay Community College in Wellesley with a reception after the concert. MassBay is easy to get to -- minutes from Rt 95, with free parking. Great dining and shopping is minutes away in nearby Wellesley Square. Tickets are pay-what-you-can. We hope to see you there!