February 27, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Symphony in 60 Encompasses the Fullness of Life with Tchaikovsky and Music Director Steven Smith
Symphony in 60: Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6 “Pathétique”
Friday, March 8 at 6:30pm
Dominion Energy Center for the Performing Arts

February 27, 2019 – Richmond, VA:  Join the Richmond Symphony for a perfect portion of classical music at the Symphony in 60 concert: Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6 “Pathétique,” Friday March 8 at 6:30pm at the Dominion Energy Center for the Performing Arts. This hour-long program features a contemporary work by Music Director, Steven Smith, as well as sections of Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6, “Pathetique,” which he claimed captures the essence of life. Conducted by Steven Smith, this concert includes enlightening commentary and a window into the world of two classical masterpieces, contemporary and time-honored.

Shortly after he compiled a suite from his Nutcracker ballet, Tchaikovsky scribbled down the plan for what he hoped would be his next symphony: “The ultimate essence of the plan of the symphony is life.”
The piece’s third movement is an entirely unexpected march and the themes of the fourth movement finale are based upon descending melodic motives, giving it a brooding and sorrowful character. The symphony ends in melancholic gloominess. After he finished writing the symphony, Tchaikovsky confessed, “I consider this symphony the best thing I have ever done. In any case, it is the most deeply felt. And I love it as I have never loved any of my compositions.”

Richmond Symphony audiences know Steven Smith as their Music Director. However, he is also an award-winning composer. Steven Smith says through his music, he attempts to convey the magnificence, breadth and life force of the natural world. “I believe in the inter-connectedness of all things. Through my compositions, I hope to raise overall awareness of the importance of our environment, its residents, human and otherwise, and foster an appreciation and reverence for the world we all share,” he says. Smith’s Kataklysmos was inspired by the ancient and continuing effects of geologic forces upon the earth’s landscape. Moving through volcanic eruption, stillness, evolution, and re-formation, the piece ends with boisterous rhythmic activity, reflecting emotions akin to childhood: feelings of awe at being surrounded by such a magical natural realm.

The Symphony in 60 series consists of hour-long programs that offer accessible commentary from Music Director Steven Smith, about orchestral works. Audience members will learn behind the scenes information about the music, experiencing it in an entirely personal way. Afterward, patrons are invited to an exclusive happy hour with Symphony musicians at Maya Downtown, the Symphony’s proud post-concert happy hour partner.

Adult tickets for Symphony in 60 performances start at $15, College student tickets are $5, and Child tickets are free for ages 18 and under. Active military members have access to two (2) free tickets with a valid ID. Purchase tickets online at richmondsymphony.com or by calling 1.800.514.ETIX.  

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Friday, March 8, 2019 at 6:30 PM

Richmond Symphony
Symphony in 60

Steven Smith, conductor

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About the Richmond Symphony

Celebrating its 61st Season in 2018/19, the Richmond Symphony is the largest performing arts organization in Central Virginia. The organization includes an orchestra of more than 70 professional musicians, the 150-voice Richmond Symphony Chorus and more than 300 students in the Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra programs. Each season, more than 200,000 members of the community enjoy live concerts and radio broadcasts. The Symphony also provides educational outreach programs to over 55,000 students and teachers each year. The Symphony was recently named one of 21 American orchestras selected as a leader in orchestra innovation by the League of American Orchestras through its Futures Fund Initiative. The Richmond Symphony is partially funded by the Virginia Commission for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. Visit www.richmondsymphony.com for more information.

Contacts:
Erin Frye
Marketing and PR Manager
804.788.4717 ext. 121
efrye@richmondsymphony.com

Scott Dodson
Director of Advancement and Patron Communications
804.788.4717 ext. 120
sdodson@richmondsymphony.com