CSO Contemporary Quintet Presents World Premiere of PARODOS by Jack Hughes, 2/6-7

By: Jan. 28, 2014
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World premiere performances are a rarity. To premiere three works in one season is a very rare privilege. A Canton Symphony Orchestra (CSO) contemporary quintet - in its typical world-class fashion - will premiere a third classical work on Thursday, February 6 (Thursday at 1:00pm) and Friday, February 7 (Friday at 7:00pm) in Cable Recital Hall at Canton's Cultural Center for the Arts on Market Avenue North. The other two world premieres this season were this past fall: A Secret Gift (Eric Benjamin) and Tuba Sonata for Strings, Piano and Tuba (Tom Lukowicz).

The quintet will premiere Parodos by Jack Hughes which has been commissioned by the CSO through the Composer Fellowship Program of the Cleveland Institute of Music. Mr. Hughes explains his work, "The inspiration for the piece is the early Greek tragedy. While sketching the piece I learned that these tragedies featured a single actor interacting with a large, masked chorus. Parodos ­- the word for the initial procession of a Greek Chorus onto the stage - is a musical imagination of these ancient plays."

Hughes continues, "I was imagining a composition based on a lopsided conversation, with three characters pitted against the fourth. The cellos form the chorus that converses with, and sometimes antagonizes the clarinet protagonist."

In May, Hughes will complete a dual degree in composition and music theory at the Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM). He is the CSO's 2013-14 Composer-in-Residence. Two dozen national and international contests for young composers have recognized his works since 2006 and two large ensembles commissioned him in 2011-12 to write major works. At CIM, Jack studies trumpet with Michael Miller of the Cleveland Orchestra. He also plays piano, violin and viola.

The quintet is comprised of cellists Erica Snowden, Michael Koscso, and Paul Miahky, clarinetist Alix Reinhardt, and pianist Shuai Wang. In addition to Hughes' Parodos, they will perform David Popper's Requiem and Robert Muczynski's Fantasy Trio.

The Chesapeake Energy Casual Series offers a musically intimate setting. Typically only a one-hour concert, the audience is up-close and personal with the musicians, who provide background to many of the pieces they play. A reception with the musicians is included with each concert.

The Casual Series concerts are an affordable $15 for adults or $10 for seniors/students. There is also a Flex Pass available for $50 ($35 for seniors & students) that includes four tickets to any of the remaining Casual programs. The Flex Pass and individual tickets are available online at www.CantonSymphony.org, by calling 330-452-2094, at the box office window located inside the Cultural Center for the Arts (weekdays 10am-2pm), or by walk-up. Dress is casual and concerts are appropriate for ages 8 and older.

Founded in 1937, the Canton Symphony Orchestra is a fully professional ensemble and organization dedicated to performing concerts that enrich, educate and entertain. Under the direction of Gerhardt Zimmermann, the orchestra performs classical, pops, holiday, and educational programs. Most performances are in Umstattd Performing Arts Hall, 2323 17th Street NW, Canton, Ohio (at McKinley High School across from C.T. Branin Natatorium). Parking at McKinley High School is free. For more information, please visitwww.CantonSymphony.org.



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