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Crescendo
Ignace "Iggy" Jang
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New music welcomes the new year
At the Honolulu Symphony, we're ringing in the new year in brand new fashion -- with bells, cymbals, gongs, congas, drums and more, as we perform an exhilarating new percussion concerto.
Honolulu Symphony
In concert: 8 p.m., Friday and 4 p.m. Sunday
Place: Blaisdell Concert Hall
Tickets: $15 to $65
Call: 792-2000 or visit www.honolulusymphony.com.
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This weekend, the Honolulu Symphony presents "Veni, Veni, Emmanuel," by one of Scotland's greatest living composers, James MacMillan. Fellow Scotsman and famous percussionist Colin Currie will do the honors for this thrilling and innovative masterpiece. Regarded as two of Scotland's finest cultural exports, these gentlemen are recognized for their pioneering approach to new music.
We're privileged to have Colin join us for this distinctive concert, which also includes Dvorák's beautiful "From the New World Symphony" and Wagner's majestic overture to the tragic grand opera, "Rienzi, der Letzte der Tribunens" ("The Last of the Tribunes"). Maestro Roberto Minczuk, who was recently appointed music director of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, will lead the orchestra.
Percussion concertos aren't composed every day, and the colorful "Veni, Veni, Emmanuel" ranks as one of the 20th century's most groundbreaking and invigorating works. It is based on the 15th-century French carol with which it shares a name. Many of you will have heard this Christmas song over the holidays, but don't expect too many similarities.
MacMillan's "Veni, Veni, Emmanuel" is decidedly modern, performed without a pause and reflecting the sounds and spirit of modern life. The piece makes great physical demands on the soloist as he or she moves between instruments. Luckily, we'll have Colin on hand. From the tam-tams to the side drums, Chinese gongs, wind chimes, log drum, marimba, cowbells, cymbals and back, Colin will have his work cut out for him!
Believe it or not, new classical music is all around us. Classical soundtracks for film, television and sports events abound. Composers today are producing some of music's most moving works. As we perform "Veni, Veni, Emmanuel," keep your mind open to the modernism of the work, as well as the infectious energy of the instruments.
performing new music is always fascinating. Even those who don't appreciate modern music will admit that it's never dull! At the concert hall this weekend, you have the opportunity to experience a new concerto and be part of the evolution of music. This is an experience that music lovers during Mozart's and Beethoven's eras understood so well, but is rare today.
Many of the audience favorites that the Honolulu Symphony performs are less than 100 years old. Consider the music of Gershwin, Bernstein and Tower -- three great American composers whose works were featured in the fall. Their "newer" compositions are all immensely popular, in large part thanks to the stimulating contrast they offer to the music of the previous century.
For those who would like a preview of the concert, Colin recently made a recording of "Veni, Veni, Emmanuel" and you can listen to excerpts online at such Internet stores as www.amazon.com.
Listen for understated hints of the works of the great composer Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, appointed master of the queen's music in March 2004. And, as you may suppose, "Veni, Veni, Emmanuel" reflects traditional Scottish themes. Music lovers can also google the title and listen to different versions of the carol. It's fascinating to contrast MacMillan's inspiration with his newer creation.
Curious about new music? We invite you to enjoy this lively musical experience with us this weekend. See you in the audience!
Ignace "Iggy" Jang is the Honolulu Symphony's concertmaster. His column will appear on the Monday prior to each concert of the season to illuminate works to be performed. E-mail comments and questions to Jang at
suggestions@honolulusymphony.com