Charlottesville & University Symphony Orchestra To Perform Bruch Concerto With Violinist Shannon Lee

The Charlottesville & University Symphony Orchestra continues its 2012-13 season on Nov. 17 at 8 p.m. in Old Cabell Hall at the University of Virginia, and on Nov. 18 at 3:30 p.m. at Monticello High School in Charlottesville.

Conducted by music director Kate Tamarkin, the concerts include Avner Dorman’s “Azerbaijani Dance,” Max Bruch’s Concerto for Violin and Orchestra No. 1 in G minor and Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7.

The Nov. 18 performance is sponsored by Our Lady of Peace, a continuing care community in Charlottesville.

Tamarkin selected “Azerbaijani Dance in keeping with the overall theme of the orchestra’s season, “Let’s Dance!” Dorman has rocketed to international prominence over the past decade and is arguably Israel’s leading composer. The work was commissioned by conductor Zubin Mehta for the Israel Philharmonic’s 75th anniversary season. Based on a folk dance, it features an array of lesser-known percussion instruments.

Violinist Shannon Lee joins the orchestra for Bruch’s concerto, the composition for which he is best remembered and one of the most popular concertos in the violin repertory.

A child prodigy, the Canadian-born Lee made a stunning orchestral debut with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra in 2005 at the age of 5. Two years later, she made her European debut with the Nuremberg Philharmonic in Germany. Since then, she has won multiple awards and prizes, including first prize in the Lynn Harrell Concerto Competition and a silver medal in the Stulberg International String Competition. Recent and upcoming engagements include performances with the Nashville Symphony, Las Vegas Philharmonic and the Phoenix Symphony.

Beethoven called Symphony No. 7 in A Major “one of my best works.” Characterized by exuberant rhythms and elegant, carefree lines, it was at the time associated with Wellington’s victory over Napoleon.

“Know the Score” pre-concert lectures will begin 45 minutes before each concert. Free of charge, these informative and entertaining lectures by Richard Will, chair of the McIntire Department of Music in U.Va.’s College of Arts & Sciences, offer novice and experienced patrons a deeper appreciation of the performances. Saturday’s lecture will take place in Minor Hall; Sunday’s lecture will be held in the Forum at Monticello High School.

Free parking is available in the U.Va Central Grounds Parking Garage, located on Emmet Street, on Saturday night and at the high school on Sunday afternoon. Both venues are wheelchair accessible.

Tickets are $20 to $38 ($10 for students). U.Va students can request one complimentary ticket in advance. Tickets can be purchased at the University of Virginia Arts Box Office by calling 434-924-3376; in person on weekdays from noon to 5 p.m. in the lobby of the Drama Building at 109 Culbreth Road; or online.

U.Va. employees receive a 20 percent discount on tickets to individual performances. This offer does not apply to subscriptions, the December Family Holiday concerts or previously purchased tickets.

Remaining dates in the “Let’s Dance!” season are:

Dec. 1-2; Family Holiday Concerts with the U.Va University Singers.

Feb. 16-17: Works by Borodin, J.S. Bach and Prokofiev with mezzo soprano Meredith Arwady, the University Singers, members of the Oratorio Society and flute soloist Kelly Sulick

March 23-24: Works by Respighi, de Falla, Ravel and Johann Strauss Jr.

April 20-21: Works by Adams, Copland, Bernstein and Ginastera with clarinet soloist Rob Patterson.

Pro-rated subscription tickets for the entire season are available at the orchestra office by calling 434-924-3139.

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