PSO Chamber Concert to Feature OSPA Wind Ensemble, 1/11

The Princeton Symphony Orchestra Chamber Series presents Spanish Winds showcasing the Ventart-OSPA wind ensemble from PSO Music Director Rossen Milanov's orchestra in Oviedo, Spain, Orquesta Sinfónica del Principado de Asturias (OSPA). The concert highlights the sounds of Spain through works by Granados, Albéniz, Medaglia, and Piazzolla. Pieces by Claude Debussy and Paul Hindemith complete the program. The concert will be held at Wolfensohn Hall at the Institute for Advanced Study which partners with the PSO to present this chamber music series.

The members of the Ventart-OSPA wind quintent include Myra Pearse, flute; Juan Ferriol, oboe; Andreas Weisgerber, clarinet; Vicente Mascarell, bassoon; and José Luis Morató, horn. Mr. Milanov has led OSPA as music director since 2012. He loves Spain, its culture, its people, and its food, and it is his pleasure to bring the flavors of Spain to Princeton. Thanks to travel support from the Maria Cristina Masaveu Peterson Foundation of Spain, the Ventart-OSPA quintet is able to serve as ambassadors on tour to Princeton, New York City, and Philadelphia.

Mr. Milanov describes Spanish Winds as "reflective of the vitality and uniqueness of Spain as understood by both Spanish and foreign composers, as well as the influence of Spanish speaking cultures on music history." Enrique Granados' Andaluza (Danzas Españolas) and Isaac Albéniz' Cadiz and Sevilla from Suite Española represent idiomatic Spanish rhythms and are infused with authentic rhythms of the Flamenco dance. Another dance, the Tango, inspires Júlio Medaglia's Belle Epoque en Sud-America and Astor Piazzolla's Adios Nonino. Influenced by a single excursion to Spain, Claude Debussy captures the exotic essence of Spanish music in his Suite No. 1, and Paul Hindemith's Kleine Kammermusik is one of the most important works in the repertoire for wind ensemble.

To introduce Spanish Winds and talk about his work in Oviedo, Spain, Mr. Milanov is speaking at the PSO Soundtracks "Meet 'n' Greet Rossen Milanov" on Wednesday, January 7 at 4 pm at the Princeton Public Library. Delicacies of Spain will be offered, compliments of Despaña Tapas Café, Princeton. Both the concert and the library presentation are free, and open to the public.

Ticketed reservations are necessary for the free Spanish Winds concert, and are available online at princetonsymphony.org and by phone: 609-497-0020. Limit two per household.