Concerto premiere features Met Opera violist

Desiree Elsivier

The Western New York Chamber Orchestra brings to SUNY Fredonia’s King Concert Hall stage Metropolitan Opera Orchestra violist Desiree Elsevier in the world premiere of the Concerto for Viola and Chamber Orchestra by WNYCO's Artistic Director and Conductor Glen Cortese, on Sunday, Feb. 10 at 4 p.m.

Both alumni of the Manhattan School of Music, Ms. Elsevier and Mr. Cortese have been colleagues for many years, but this is their first time collaborating on a premiere work. In addition to the concert, Ms. Elsevier will be presenting a master class for students in the SUNY Fredonia School of Music’s String Area, as well as performing the concerto for the students of the Sweet Home High School String Area on Feb. 8.

Also featured on the WNYCO program is SUNY Fredonia School of Music voice faculty member tenor Joe Dan Harper performing John Corigliano's stunning, "Poem in October," based on texts of Dylan Thomas. The concert entitled, "Generations," celebrates the legacy passed on from composer to composer. Mr. Corigliano was Maestro Cortese's composition professor at the Manhattan School of Music, and is a mentor to dozens of prominent American composers.
Concluding the concert will be "The Dean of American Music" Aaron Copland’s Suite from “Appalachian Spring."

WNYCO is the professional ensemble-in-residence at SUNY Fredonia and features the finest regional musicians, including many SUNY Fredonia School of Music faculty and alumni. The chamber orchestra receives Series Sponsorship from the Friends of Rockefeller Arts Center, the New York State Council on the Arts, the United Arts Appeal of Chautauqua County, and James and Phyllis East.

Tickets are $20 and are available at the SUNY Fredonia Ticket Office in the Williams Center, by phone at 716-673-3501, or at the door. All SUNY students may attend free of charge with student ID.