The OKCPHIL announces a program featuring
Debussy, Piazzolla, Tate and Ravel
Daniel Binelli, bandoneon
February 16, 2019 at Civic Center Music Hall
Oklahoma City, OK, January 31, 2019: -
Join the OKCPHIL and Music Director Alexander Mickelthwate as we squint the eyes of our soul to experience the shifts in light with four differing pieces that inspired the program entitled Impressionist Variations. Experience the variety of shade and color when you hear Debussy’s Printemps; Piazzolla’s Concerto for Bandoneon (Aconcagua) featuring Daniel Binelli, bandoneon; Chickasaw composer Jerod Tate’s fully staged Lowak Shoppala’ (Fire and Light), Scene 4: Clans; and Ravel’s La Valse. The performance takes place 8PM at the Civic Center. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 405-"TICKETS" (842-5387) M-F 9 AM-5 PM, or visit www.okcphil.org/impressionist or www.okccivicenter.com or call 405-297-CCMH. Fees apply.
Says Alexander Mickelthwate about the programming, “The inspiration for this concert is rooted in French Impressionism with Debussy’s beautiful tone poem Printemps and Ravel’s hot La Valse. Piazzolla is an Argentinian who studied composition in France and was encouraged to find his own musical voice. Drawing from his passion for tango, he combined elements of jazz and classical music creating his own unique impressions of his world. His piece Aconcagua, features Daniel Binelli on bandoneon, an authentic Argentinean accordion. Now a century later, Chickasaw composer Jarod Tate’s piece Fire and Light, ties the program together with a differing impression, rooted in American Indian history and culture.”
The third piece in the program will feature classically trained composer and native Oklahoman Jerod Tate’s Clans from Lowak Shoppala’ (Fire and Light), a theatric expression of ancient Chickasaw clan leaders, with libretto by Linda Hogan and regalia designed and created by Margaret Roach Wheeler. Tate, also singing lead in this fully staged piece for orchestra and voice, is a dedicated American Indian classical composer and pianist who expresses his native culture in symphonic music, ballet and opera. Tate’s career has had multiple occasions to feature American Indian culture in classical repertoire. “I am proud to bring our Native melodies into the same arena as Russian, French, Hungarian and German composers.” said Tate. “This performance by the Oklahoma City Philharmonic provides yet another venue in which the Chickasaw culture is represented on the classical concert stage.” Lowak Shoppala’: Clans marks Tate’s twelfth commission to specifically feature Chickasaw culture.
Daniel Binelli, bandoneon will be the featured performer on Piazziolla’s Concerto for Bandoneon (Aconcagua). A researcher of Argentine music, he has become one of the foremost in–depth connoisseurs of the tango in all its styles, dating from the beginning of the century up to present day. Binelli is an internationally renowned composer, musical arranger, bandoneónist and is widely acclaimed as the foremost exponent and torchbearer of the music of Astor Piazzolla.
Join Mickelthwate for a concert preview talk in the Thelma Gaylord Theater, FREE to all ticket holders, at 7:00PM, and a casual, post-concert Question and Answer session in the lobby with Tate and Maestro Mickelthwate. Download the OKCPHIL app from the app store, to read in-depth program notes in advance.
A non-musicians master class with Jerod Tate, will be presented by OKC PHIL and the Associate Board for OVERTURE members and the general public at Artspace At Untitled from 6-8 on February 8. Sign up on the Overture Facebook page at Overture (OKC Philharmonic). Space is limited.
The OKC Phil is pleased to have Inasmuch Foundation as presenting sponsor for the 2018-2019 Classics Series, with additional support from OG&E Energy Corporation.
Tag us on social: Facebook @okcphilharmonic and Instagram: okc_phil.
The Oklahoma City Philharmonic has gained recognition as one of the nation’s premier regional orchestras. Tracing its roots to 1924, the Oklahoma City Philharmonic was formed in 1988 under the musical direction of Founder and Music Director Emeritus Joel Levine and began a new era with the passing of the baton to Maestro Alexander Mickelthwate in 2018. The Orchestra remains steadfast in its mission “to provide inspiration and joy for the community through orchestral music.” Through its consistent commitment to excellence, the Oklahoma City Philharmonic strives to enrich lives, expand cultural development, educate future generations, and provide audiences with a diverse and inspirational performance experience. Committed to expanding its reach well beyond the concert hall, the Oklahoma City Philharmonic enjoys a close collaborative relationship with Oklahoma’s colleges and universities as well as the city’s other premier arts organizations including Oklahoma City Ballet and Canterbury Voices. Additionally, the Phil presents the free, annual Red, White and Boom concert on July 3rd. This event includes a spectacular fireworks display and is attended by thousands from across the metro each year. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 405-"TICKETS" (842-5387), or visit okcphilharmonic.org.