The Port Townsend Symphony Orchestra’s next concert will be held on Sunday, February 23 at the Chimacum High School Auditorium, starting at 2 pm. Concerts are free to the public with donations accepted at the door.
Conductor and Artistic Director Tigran Arakelyan said, “Welcome to our first concert of 2020! This concert features beautiful music inspired by literature and a talented young clarinet soloist from Port Townsend, Kincaid Gould. Musicians from Port Townsend High School Orchestra also join the orchestra as guest performers.”
Kincaid Gould won First Prize in the 2019 PTSO Young Artist Competition, which included the option to be featured soloist for this concert. Kincaid is a Port Townsend High School student and principal clarinetist of the PTSO. Born in Port Townsend, he began playing piano in third grade and then clarinet in fifth grade. His clarinet teacher is Miles Vokurka. Kincaid’s achievements include qualification for and superior rating in the Washington Music Educators Association State Solo Contest, as well as acceptance into All-State and All-Northwest Honor Bands for the past five years. This year, he was accepted into the Washington Music Educators Association All-State Chamber Orchestra, with which he will be playing principal clarinet.
At Port Townsend High School, Kincaid is a member of the concert band, marching band, pep band and jazz band. He also plays clarinet with ensembles in the community. He has been a member of the Port Townsend Summer Band for five years, as well as a member of Port Townsend High School’s cross-country team. Kincaid has applied to colleges and following graduation he plans to continue his music studies while also pursuing a degree in a yet-to-be-determined field. He will perform:
Concertino for Clarinet in E Flat Major, Carl Maria von Weber (1786-1826). German composer Carl Maria von Weber wrote his “Concertino for Clarinet in E Flat Major” over the course of only three days in 1811. It remains a popular Romantic Period staple in the clarinet repertoire to this day.
Arakeylan explained about the other pieces, “The program also features music inspired by literature, telling the stories through another language. Tragedy, love and faith are expressed as vividly in music as they are in literature. In my experience, there have been many times when music was more powerful than words. It is a magical experience to hear these musical works and imagine the literary stories.”
The literature-based pieces are:
Merry Wives of Windsor Overture, Carl Otto Ehrenfried Nicolai (1810–1849). “The Merry Wives of Windsor”is based on the comedy by William Shakespeare. In this opera, an impoverished Falstaff attempts to woo the wives of two rich merchants of Windsor. His plan is quickly exposed, and he is manipulated by the women, their husbands and other characters.
Pelléas and Mélisande, Gabriel Fauré (1845–1924). This piece is based on a 1893 French play set in medieval times. It tells of a tragic love triangle between the maiden Mélisande, Golaud who marries her, and his younger brother Pelléas, who falls in love with her. The tragic death of Mélisande is reflected with the ending lamentation which brings in hints of Mélisande’s theme.
Romeo and Juliet, Fantasy Overture, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840–1893). Tchaikovsky styled this piece after Shakespeare’s play of the same name. It is a one movement symphonic poem-like work that encapsulates the tragic love story between Romeo and Juliet. The final section is the most famous as it has the wondrous and passionate romantic theme, which represents the idea that love conquers all.
“We are excited to take you on another journey, exploring the intertwined vision and passion of music and literature. These pieces are a great example of the powerful statement that arts and artists can make when they come together. Thank you for your continued support, love and encouragement!” said Arakeylan.
For additional details and updates please visit the orchestra’s website at PTSymphony.org.