Happenings

The YSO’s Classical III concert invites audiences on a journey through the rich musical traditions of Ireland and Scotland, showcasing three masterworks that blend folk heritage with symphonic brilliance. This program highlights the profound cultural legacy of Gaelic music while celebrating the composers who brought it to life on the orchestral stage.

The evening begins with John Williams’ Suite from Far and Away, a stirring composition blending traditional Irish music with orchestral grandeur. Written for Ron Howard’s 1992 epic film starring Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman, the music reflects the romantic spirit of Irish immigrants seeking new beginnings in 1890s America. Williams collaborated with The Chieftains and included a revised version of Enya’s “Book of Days,” creating a soundtrack that captures the excitement and emotional depth of the immigrant experience. Through its fusion of Irish instrumentation and orchestral textures, the suite vividly portrays the optimism and struggles of forging a life in a new land.

Max Bruch’s Scottish Fantasy follows, offering a virtuosic showcase for the violin. Composed in 1880, the work draws from Scottish folk melodies, including “Through the Wood Laddie,” “The Dusty Miller,” and “Hey Tuttie Tatie.” Bruch weaves these tunes into four evocative movements, each exploring a range of moods, from haunting introspection to boisterous celebration. Though Bruch didn’t visit Scotland until after its premiere, his deep appreciation for folk traditions is evident, creating a vivid musical portrait of Scotland’s culture and landscapes.

The concert concludes with Amy Beach’s Gaelic Symphony, a groundbreaking work as the first symphony composed and published by an American woman. Premiered in 1896 by the Boston Symphony Orchestra, this piece is a triumph of Romanticism infused with Irish folk influences. Beach drew on melodies such as “Dark is the Night” and “Conehobhar,” creating a lush, emotive soundscape that reflects her belief in the power of Gaelic music as a foundation for American composition. The symphony’s first movement introduces a dramatic theme based on “Dark is the Night,” juxtaposed with the lyrical “Conehobhar.” These themes ebb and flow, culminating in a powerful conclusion. The second movement, with its lilting siciliano rhythm, features the pastoral folk tune “Goirtin Ornadh,” transforming it into a lively dance before returning to its serene origins. The third movement offers a reflective interlude, borrowing two additional Gaelic melodies to convey depth and melancholy. The final movement ties the work together, revisiting earlier themes in a dynamic and triumphant finale. Beach’s Gaelic Symphony was both celebrated and criticized during her lifetime, often reflecting societal biases against women composers. Despite being overlooked after her death, her work has been rediscovered, earning recognition for its emotional range and compositional mastery.

This concert is more than a tribute to Gaelic music; it’s a celebration of cultural resilience and artistic innovation. By intertwining folk traditions with symphonic forms, these works connect past and present, reminding us of the universal language of music and its ability to tell timeless stories. 

Join us at the Capitol Theatre February 1st at 7:30. Tickets on sale now.