The Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra had its first performance of the year on Saturday, October 17. The concert was a celebration of the two hundredth anniversary of Felix Mendelssohn, and featured selections from his most famous work, the music from William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Mendelssohn, whose music had a significant conservative streak and who disdained many of his contemporaries from their radicalism in music (and thus earned himself their disdain), was until recently somewhat unpopular. However, his reputation has rehabilitated itself somewhat as orchestras around the world celebrate his two hundredth anniversary (which actually happened in February). The KSO also performed Franz Liszt’s Hungarian Rhapsody and Igor Stravinsky’s Suites No. 1 and 2 for Chamber Orchestra.
The event, which took place at the Rozsa Center, was generally well attended. Following the performance, the audience was invited to the lobby for free cookies and lemonade, and had the chance to meet director Dr. Joel Neves.
The event was Dr. Neves’ first performance with the KSO. Neves, who before working with the KSO had conducted in Cedar City, Utah, was impressed with the result of the concert. “I thought it was outstanding,” Neves told the Lode. “Everyone responded with great energy… it was a thrilling first concert.” He further remarked that the KSO was “outstandingly talented and dedicated.”
The KSO has already begun rehearsing for its next performance. On December 5, it will team up with the Michigan Tech Concert Choir will present George Frideric Handel’s Messiah. Other concerts scheduled for the year are “A Night at the Opera” on February 20, and “The Bernstein Beat,” featuring Jamie Bernstein, on April 17.