October’s overflowing basket of events continues with still more interesting events.
Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra
For its second 2023-24 program, music director Michael Butterman and the WSO offer “Four Seasons Reimagined,” featuring guest violinist Philippe Quint. The Oct. 18 program is clever and continued evidence of Butterman’s exciting presence here.
The fare focuses on Astor Piazzolla’s “The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires” and Max Richter’s “Four Seasons Recomposed.”
The Piazzolla is a set of four Argentinian tango compositions that are thoughtful, melodic and highly rhythmic. It’s Piazzolla being Piazzolla — a tapestry of rich, inviting, refreshing sounds that fall easily on the ear. Count on your feet to do some tapping.
Composer/violinist Richter is sought after for his arrangements, compositions and performances of music for stage, film television and opera, along with collaborations with musicians and installation artists.
His “Four Seasons” is cool and clever. Although he discarded some 75% of Vivaldi’s score, he maintained the melodic essence of the familiar. It’s mesmerizing. In fact, following its 2012 premiere, it hit the top of classical music charts around the world.
A pre-concert talk takes place from 6:30-7 p.m. For tickets, visit www.williamsburgsymphony.org.
Phi Beta Kappa Memorial Hall Studio Theatre
The new PBK Studio Theatre is the site for two-time Daytime Emmy recipient Bill Schermerhorn’s new musical endeavor, “MADam Lucy-deceased,” his book and lyrics set to music by acclaimed recording artist/singer/songwriter/composer/keyboard player Elise Morris.
Schermerhorn, the creative director for Colonial Williamsburg’s signature events, was also vice president/creative director for Macy’s Parade and Entertainment Group and book/lyricist for numerous musical endeavors, as well as creating material for the likes of Julie Andrews, Idina Mendez, Whoopi Goldberg and Kermit the Frog. As a W&M ’82 alumnus, he was also 2017 artist-in-residence here.
The piece is focused on Lucy Ludwell Paradise, born into one of the Virginia’s most prominent families in 1752 and who died in Williamsburg’s Public Hospital in 1814. She spent much of her social life around the likes of Benjamin Franklin, John and Abigail Adams and Thomas Jefferson, living a life that was fascinating, complex and, perhaps, controversial. Known as one of Virginia’s most famous ghosts, she reportedly resides in the Ludwell-Paradise house at CW.
A workshop presentation took place in June in the Wren Building’s Great Hall. Subsequent rewrites, additional music and audience feedback led to revisions and this performance. William & Mary’s Laurie J. Wolf, a theater professor who directed the Wren workshop, again directs.
Performances are Oct. 20 and 21 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 22 at 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased through the box office at www.wm.edu/boxoffice. For questions, call 757-221-2674 or email boxoffice@wm.edu.
W&M Music Building
The new Music Building is the site of an important event on Oct. 22: the dedication of a Peragallo pipe organ in the 450-seat concert hall. Originally built in 2003, the college purchased the organ from the Peragallo Organ Co. in 2017. According to Tom Marshall, W&M’s point person for this new addition, “it’s been upgraded, given several additional digital stops and a nice coat of ‘new.’” And, he said, it offers amazing sound in the new space. The dedication is at 2 p.m. open free to the public.
Featured artist is Mickey Thomas Terry, critically-acclaimed concert organist who has wowed audiences across the country and Caribbean. He’s been featured on Public Radio’s “Pipedreams,” in the Kennedy Center for the Arts and at American Guild of Organists National Conventions.
Virginia Symphony Orchestra
On Oct. 20, in the Ferguson Center in Newport News, the Virginia Symphony Orchestra and the Virginia Arts Festival co-present “Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto Festival,” featuring world-renowned and premier Rachmaninoff interpreter Olga Kern. She won the 2001 Van Cliburn Piano Competition — the first woman in over 30 years to do so playing Rachmaninoff’s Third Piano Concerto.
The program is part of the worldwide celebration of Rachmaninoff’s 150th birthday. Kern, who is the Arts Festival’s director of chamber music, will play his Piano Concerto No. 1 in F-sharp Minor and No. 3 in D Minor. With her South Hampton Roads performances, she will cover his other two concerti and the Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini. When it comes to lush and endlessly melodic lines for both piano and orchestra, Rachmaninoff is at the top of the charts. Given Kern’s acclaim for presence, skill, interpretative depths and excellence, this should be a terrific performance.
Eric Jacobson conducts. Start time is 7:30 p.m. For information and tickets, visit www.virginiasymphony.org/concerts, or call 757-892-6366.
Tidewater Classical Guitar
On Oct. 26, Tidewater Classical Guitar showcases internationally-recognized acoustic guitarist Luca Stricagnoli in the Williamsburg Regional Library Theatre. Called a phenomenon and prodigy, he performs on traditional and untraditional guitars, one and two at a time, even a three-neck instrument. Known for his skills and interpretations, he’s also known for playing his guitars with his feet, a kitchen knife and flat on the ground. Start time is 7:30 p.m. For information and tickets, visit www.TidewaterClassicalGuitar.org.
William & Mary Dance
The Department of Theater, Speech and Dance celebrates its new season with Dancevent, Oct. 26-29 in the newly renovated/redesigned home in PBK Memorial Hall. These programs offer original works created by W&M dance faculty and performed by faculty, guest artists and members of the Orchesis Modern Dance Co. For times and tickets, visit www.wm.edu/offices/boxoffice.
William & Mary Center for Student Diversity
The center is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, running through Oct. 30, with several events focused on Cesar Chavez. The “Cesar Chavez: Legacy of a Leader” exhibit, in the upper hallways of the Sadler Center, offers 30 photos highlighting his life and civil rights accomplishments.
Have information about the arts in the Historic Triangle? Contact John Shulson at johnshulson@gmail.com.
