The John J. Cali School of Music at Montclair State University presents the MSU Symphony Orchestra on Saturday, March 1 at 8 p.m. This exciting concert event takes place in the Alexander Kasser Theater and the performance is $15.

MSU Symphony Orchestra
Under the baton of conductor Paul Hostetter, the MSU Symphony Orchestra will perform orchestral works by Hungarian composer Zoltan Kodaly, English composer Edward Elgar and French composer Emmanuel Chabrier. This diverse program showcases a student orchestra that the New York Times has said, “sounds better than many professional orchestras.”

Emmanuel Chabrier – España
After taking a trip to Spain, Chabrier was captivated by energy of Iberian music. In España, Chabrier’s intention was to cause audiences to leap to their feet and embrace each other. Mixing the traditional Spanish jota, a rhythm that is filled with bravado with the more sensual malagueña, Chabrier captures the exciting essence of the Iberian Peninsula.

Zoltan Kodaly – Hary Janos Suite
A true story of Hungarian hero Hary Janos, who served as a soldier during the Napoleonic wars, this suite shows how this folk hero chooses to blur the lines between what are tedious truths and lively fantasies. To Kodaly, it was “the symbol of indestructible and everlasting Magyar optimism.” This colorful piece includes the unique sounds of the cimbalom with featured soloist William Ruyle.

Edward Elgar – Enigma Variations
It was Elgar himself who first used the term “enigma” in speaking of this work, though its genesis was neither puzzling nor profound. “After a long and tiresome day's teaching [i.e., giving violin lessons],” he recalled, “aided by a cigar, I musingly played on the piano the theme as it now stands.” He then proceeded to entertain his wife by altering the theme as it might be played by—or reflect the characteristics of—certain of their friends. The work thus conceived, actually Elgar's first major composition for large orchestra, was completed swiftly and enjoyed a pronounced success when Hans Richter introduced it in London in June 1899. With its fourteen variations, this popular work is a sonic menagerie of Elgar’s circle of friends.

Paul Hostetter- Conductor
Hostetter is the Director of Orchestral Studies at Montclair State University, the Music Director of the Colonial Symphony, and the conductor for the acclaimed contemporary ensemble Sequitur. As a guest conductor he has appeared with the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra,the NewYork City Opera, Philharmonia Virtuosi, The Opera Theatre of Pittsburgh, the Syracuse Symphony, the Broadway productions of Candide and the Gershwins’ Fascinating Rythmn, and many others. As a recording artist he has collaborated with jazz greats Jim Hall, Pat Metheny, and Joe Lovano, with strings from the Orchestra of St. Lukes, as well as with Heidi Grant Murphy and members of the Metropolitan Opera.

These John J. Cali School of Music events are presented as part of Peak Performances @ Montclair. To order tickets, please visit www.peakperfs.org or call the box office at 973-655-5112. For a complete program, please go to the Web site.

Media Contact:
Alfred R. Fredel, Media and Marketing Manager
Peak Performance @ Montclair
Fredela@mail.montclair.edu
973-655-3004

Released: February 6, 2008