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Memphis Symphony Orchestra

A great city must have a great orchestra for its cultural, educational and economic well-being. The Memphis Symphony Orchestra has filled this role for the Mid-South since 1952.

• At-a-
  Glance

  • Contact Info

    Memphis Symphony Orchestra

    585 S. Mendenhall Road
    Memphis, TN 38117

    Phone: (901) 537-2525   |   Fax: (901) 537-2550   |   Email   |   Official Website

  • Current Events

    There are no current events available for this organization at this time.

  • Upcoming Events

    There are no upcoming events available for this organization at this time.

• Current &
  Upcoming Events

  • Current Events

    There are no current events available for this organization at this time.

  • Upcoming Events

    There are no upcoming events available for this organization at this time.

• Past
  Events

  • Past Events

    05/20/12	Carmina Burana Germantown Performing Arts Centre
    05/19/12	Carmina Burana Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
    05/12/12	Symphony in the Gardens Dixon Gallery and Gardens
    04/14/12	Mahler Symphony No. 2, Resurrection Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
    03/23/12	Mendelssohn, Schubert & Dvorak Wiener Theater at Hutchison School
    03/18/12	Beyond the Score: The Rite of Spring Germantown Performing Arts Centre
    03/17/12	Beyond the Score: The Rite of Spring Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
    03/17/12	ArtsMemphis Bravo Member Event: The Rite of Spring Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
    03/10/12	A Tribute to Motown: The Contours Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
    03/01/12- 03/02/12	Marcela Pinilla at the Rumba Room
    02/25/12	Classical Mystery Tour: A Tribute to the Beatles Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
    02/17/12	The Four Seasons & Mozart Wiener Theater at Hutchison School
    02/12/12	Romeo & Juliet with Gil Shaham Germantown Performing Arts Centre
    02/11/12	Romeo & Juliet with Gil Shaham Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
    01/15/12	The Russians: Rach to Tchaikovsky Germantown Performing Arts Centre
    01/14/12	The Russians: Rach to Tchaikovsky Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
    01/07/12	Elvis Birthday Pops Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
    12/17/11	Home for the Holidays Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
    12/09/11	Memphis Messiah Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
    11/20/11	From the Blue Danube...to the Pines of Rome Germantown Performing Arts Centre
    11/19/11	From the Blue Danube...to the Pines of Rome Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
    11/10/11	Al Kapone at The New Daisy New Daisy Theater
    11/10/11	ArtsMemphis Bravo Member Event: Opus One Al Kapone New Daisy Theater
    10/22/11	Broadway Rocks! Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
    10/16/11	Dvorak's "New World" Symphony Germantown Performing Arts Centre
    10/15/11	Dvorak's "New World" Symphony Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
    09/30/11	Bach, Brahms, & Beethoven Wiener Theater at Hutchison School
    09/25/11	Symphony in the Gardens Dixon Gallery and Gardens
    09/25/11	Symphony in the Gardens Dixon Gallery and Gardens
    09/18/11	Pictures at an Exhibition Germantown Performing Arts Centre
    09/17/11	Pictures at an Exhibition Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
    09/11/11	From the Heart to the Soul The LeMoyne-Owen College Front Lawn
    05/12/11	Joshua Bell Plays Tchaikovsky Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
    04/30/11	First Tennessee Masterworks Series: Ode to Joy Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
    04/16/11	Library Concerts
    04/09/11	Salute to Gershwin Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
    03/26/11	Library Concerts
    03/18/11	French Favorites Buckman Performing and Fine Arts Center
    03/13/11	First Tennessee Germantown Sunday Series: Vive La France! Germantown Performing Arts Centre
    03/12/11	First Tennessee Masterworks Series: Vive La France! Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
    03/05/11	Music of the Piano Men Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
    02/26/11	Library Concerts
    02/20/11	First Tennessee Germantown Sunday Series: Infernal Dance Germantown Performing Arts Centre
    02/19/11	First Tennessee Masterworks Series: Infernal Dance Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
    02/12/11	Valentine's Pops: In the Mood Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
    02/03/11	Opera Swings at Bridges BRIDGES
    01/29/11	Library Concerts
    01/21/11	Italian Masters Buckman Performing and Fine Arts Center
    01/16/11	First Tennessee Germantown Sunday Series: Italian Inspirations Germantown Performing Arts Centre
    01/15/11	First Tennessee Masterworks Series: Italian Inspirations Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
    01/08/11	Elvis Birthday Concert Greatest Hits Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
    12/17/10	Arts in the Airport
    12/10/10	Handel's Messiah Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
    12/04/10	Home for the Holidays Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
    11/21/10	First Tennessee Germantown Sunday Series: Fiesta! Germantown Performing Arts Centre
    11/20/10	First Tennessee Masterworks Series: Fiesta! Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
    11/12/10	Handel, Hendrix and Harlan T. Bobo
    10/29/10	From the UK to the USA Buckman Performing and Fine Arts Center
    10/23/10	Disco Days & Boogie Nights Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
    10/17/10	First Tennessee Germantown Sunday Series: Hope in America Germantown Performing Arts Centre
    10/16/10	First Tennessee Masterworks Series: Hope in America Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
    10/09/10	Library Concerts
    10/08/10	Arts in the Airport
    10/03/10	Bach at Idlewild
    09/26/10	Symphony in the Gardens Dixon Gallery and Gardens
    09/19/10	First Tennessee Germantown Sunday Series: Russian Masters Germantown Performing Arts Centre
    09/18/10	First Tennessee Masterworks Series: Russian Masters Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
    09/12/10	From the Heart to the Soul
    09/10/10	Russian Folklore Buckman Performing and Fine Arts Center
    09/04/10- 05/14/11	Family Tunes & Tales Presented by Borders Books and Music
    09/03/10	Arts in the Airport
    08/14/10	Symphony on the Sidewalk: Music, Mei-Ann, & Mimosas
    05/08/10	Symphony in the Gardens Dixon Gallery and Gardens
    05/01/10	Beethoven's Eroica Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
    04/24/10	Kings and Queens of Soul: A Tribute Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
    04/10/10- 04/11/10	Mozart's Requiem Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
    03/26/10	Mendelssohn's Octet Buckman Performing and Fine Arts Center
    03/23/10	Chamber Music at Playhouse on the Square Playhouse on the Square
    03/04/10	Opus One @ One Commerce Square One Commerce Square
    02/28/10	Christine Brewer Sings Wagner Germantown Performing Arts Centre
    02/16/10	Chamber Music at Playhouse on the Square Playhouse on the Square
    02/12/10	Beethoven's Sextet Buckman Performing and Fine Arts Center
    02/06/10- 02/07/10	Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2 Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
    01/16/10- 01/17/10	Moody Conducts Mozart Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
    12/11/09	Orphanos Messiah Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
    12/05/09	Home for the Holidays Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
    11/21/09- 11/22/09	Beethoven's Fifth Symphony Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
    11/06/09	In Other Words Buckman Performing and Fine Arts Center
    10/17/09	Brahms' First Symphony Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
    10/03/09	Music as Muse: An Artist's Inspiration Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
    09/25/09	Simple Symphonies Buckman Performing and Fine Arts Center
    09/13/09	From the Heart to the Soul Community Concert The LeMoyne-Owen College Front Lawn
    09/12/09- 11/14/09	Memphis Symphony Orchestra Library Concert Series Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
    09/06/09	Bach at Idlewild Idlewild Presbyterian Church
    05/16/09	Symphony in the Gardens Dixon Gallery and Gardens
    05/09/09	DAVID'S ADIEU: MAHLER 9 Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
    04/18/09	THE CREATION Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
    03/27/09	Peasants and Kings
    03/21/09	CELTIC SOUL Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
    03/14/09- 03/15/09	BRAHMS 4 AND AWADAGIN Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
    02/15/09	15th Annual MLK Tribute Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
    02/14/09	UNFORGETTABLE: The Music of Nat King Cole with John Pizzarelli Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
    02/07/09- 02/08/09	Triumphant Trumpet Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
    01/30/09	ALL ABOUT MOZART
    01/17/09	DON JUAN & DVORAK Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
    01/10/09	Elvis Birthday Pops Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
    12/06/08	Home for the Holidays Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
    11/22/08- 11/23/08	Themes for a Piano Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
    11/15/08	"FOR ELLA" with PATTI AUSTIN Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
    11/07/08	A Trip Across the Pond
    10/18/08- 10/19/08	Heartbeats and Rachmaninoff Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
    10/03/08	Young Turks: Great Music from Youthful Great Masters
    09/20/08- 09/21/08	David's Perfect Ten Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
    09/14/08	From the Heart to the Soul The LeMoyne-Owen College Front Lawn
    08/16/08	Elvis: From Broadway to Memphis with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
    06/24/08	The Wizard of Oz with Orchestra Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
    06/24/08	MSO FAMILY DAY Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
    06/24/08	CLASSICAL CHRISTMAS First Congregational Church
    05/10/08	Symphony in the Gardens Dixon Gallery and Gardens
    05/03/08- 05/04/08	Copland and Ehnes Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
    05/02/08- 05/03/08	Copeland and Ehnes
    04/26/08	Amy Grant Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
    04/12/08	Berlioz Requiem Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
    03/30/08	Caribbean Cool Steel Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
    02/29/08	PAUL AND LINNEA BERT CHAMBER SERIES: PARK AND MOZART First Congregational Church
    02/24/08	The 14th Annual MLK Tribute Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
    02/16/08	Mancini and Moonlight Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
    02/10/08	Best's Bass and Joey's Oboe Germantown Performing Arts Centre
    02/09/08	Best's Bass and Joey's Oboe Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
    01/19/08- 01/20/08	BRUCKNER 7 Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
    01/13/08	Tubby the Tuba Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
    01/05/08	Elvis Birthday Pops Cannon Center for the Performing Arts

• Video &
  Images

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• Media
  Reviews

  • Media Reviews

    There are currently no media reviews for this organization.

• Member
  Reviews

  • Member Reviews

    • Event Name: Beyond the Score: The Rite of Spring
      "Review by Nathan Powell - ArtsMemphis Rants & Raver"
      Comment posted by: Nathan Powell - ArtsMemphis Rants & Raver from Memphis, TN, Mar 19, 2012
      

      If you’ve read many of my reviews, you are well aware that I love modern art music. Don’t get me wrong, Beethoven, Mendelssohn and Schubert all have a place in my heart, but nothing gets my... Expand

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      If you’ve read many of my reviews, you are well aware that I love modern art music. Don’t get me wrong, Beethoven, Mendelssohn and Schubert all have a place in my heart, but nothing gets my blood flowing like Stravinsky, Pärt and Glass. To appease this insatiable desire for mixed meters and polychords, the Memphis Symphony Orchestra presented Igor Stravinsky’s Le Sacre du Printemps. The first half of the concert was a wonderful presentation of Beyond the Score, a production by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. This included 2 narrators, a Russian folk musician and the orchestra. Paintings and scenes were projected on a large screen as the narrators dramatically explained the background to The Rite of Spring. While the narrators gave information about its conception (Stravinsky’s dream) and development, the orchestra played excerpts from the piece to connect the Russian folk tunes and instruments to Stravinsky’s written score. Valeriy Yavor, the folk musician, played the original tunes that were used by Stravinsky on various Russian folk instruments. This presentation gave me a new depth of understanding and appreciation for the piece. After the intermission, I waited with bated breath for the orchestra to perform the work in its entirety. From the opening theme on the English horn to the final chord, the orchestra had the audience mesmerized; Mei-Ann Chen’s conducting, fierce and commanding. At times, it was so wild and furious that she could have been mistaken for the young sacrificial girl. At other times, it was as though she was casting some ancient spell upon the orchestra as they realized the score with upmost precision. The orchestra played with an electricity and passion that I have yet witnessed this season. I left the performance with the confidence that, like the young Stravinsky, we are pursuing the art of music with ferocity and purpose. Collapse

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    • Event Name: Classical Mystery Tour: A Tribute to the Beatles
      "Review by Nathan Powell - ArtsMemphis Rants & Raver"
      Comment posted by: Nathan Powell - ArtsMemphis Rants & Raver from Memphis, TN, Mar 01, 2012
      

      Saturday night, February 25, The Classical Mystery Tour took the Canon Center by storm. The members of this Beatles tribute group put on a concert that would make any Beatles fan twist and shout for... Expand

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      Saturday night, February 25, The Classical Mystery Tour took the Canon Center by storm. The members of this Beatles tribute group put on a concert that would make any Beatles fan twist and shout for joy. Not only was each member of the group a true doppelganger for their Beatles counterpart, but they sounded identical as well. The concert began with some of the early Beatles’ tunes. Each member of the group was dressed as though they were John, Paul, George and Ringo, circa The Ed Sullivan Show – Complete with unison bows. Stillian Kirov led the Memphis Symphony Orchestra as they played the orchestral parts that were heard on the original recordings. I have to say that the orchestra was just as stunning as the featured performers! After a few numbers, the members went to change into the costumes that the Beatles wore during their Sergeant Pepper days. This group of songs was a definite highlight for me. Penny Lane was stunning with the solo trumpet part played perfectly by Scott Moore. Another orchestral highlight was the accompaniment to Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. This truly stunning night of Beatles music ended with a wonderful sing-a-long of Hey Jude. After roaring applause, the fab four returned for an encore and everyone in the audience decided to keep to their feet and dance along! This spurred on a second encore, and the group ended the show with Twist and Shout. I must admit that I was a little out of breath after dancing in aisle! The next time this phenomenal show comes to Memphis, don’t miss it! Collapse

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    • Event Name: Al Kapone at The New Daisy
      "Review by Nathan Powell - ArtsMemphis Rants & Raver"
      Comment posted by: Nathan Powell - ArtsMemphis Rants & Raver from Memphis, TN, USA, Nov 15, 2011
      

      I’ve been to many shows at the New Daisy Theater: Drive-By Truckers, MMA fights and The Misfits, just to name a few. I never thought I would be standing under those dusty fans (seriously, when do... Expand

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      I’ve been to many shows at the New Daisy Theater: Drive-By Truckers, MMA fights and The Misfits, just to name a few. I never thought I would be standing under those dusty fans (seriously, when do you think is the last time that they were cleaned?) listening to the Memphis Symphony Orchestra getting crunk with Memphis’ own Al Kapone. I must admit that even though I am a huge fan of the Opus One series, I was skeptical about what would happen when Memphis rap met classical. The result: a night I will not soon forget! Assistant conductor, Stilian Kirov, led the MSO in this collaboration. The arrangements of Kapone’s songs were done by Sam Shoup. The program opened with a medley of songs by Al Kapone, the orchestra, Kapone’s band and the dancers of U Dig Dance Academy. After the initial music, the orchestra performed the first movement of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony. The twist came when the U Dig dancers started jookin across the stage in a wonderfully entertaining choreographed dance. With the ambiance of bar lights, dingy carpet and Memphis celebrities, I couldn’t help but think that Beethoven would have approved of the nights shenanigans. In the middle of the program, the orchestra premiered cellist, Jonathn Kirckscey’s piece, Yaman Yar. This composition was fairly well received, despite the clinking beer bottles and general shuffling around that inevitably happens when slower music pops up in a bar. The two movements from Phillip Glass’ String Quartet No. 3, as well as the two movements from Shostakovich’s Chamber Symphony, suffered the same fate. However, I am a huge Phillip Glass fan, and I took in as much of the tottering arpeggios and slow- morphing chord changes as I could. The two big show-stoppers came at the end of the concert. Edvard Grieg’s In the Hall of the Mountain King was performed with the U Dig Dance Academy dancers. As the music climbed the ladder of intensity, the dancers were able to match it rung for rung. As soon as the piece ended, Al Kapone came back on stage for his song, Whoop that Trick, which was made famous by the Craig Brewer film, Hustle and Flow. Brewer was in attendance at the concert and received many shout-outs from Al and the other emcees. By the end of the concert, the entire room was chanting in unison, “Whoop that trick! Whoop that trick! Whoop that trick!” As I thought more and more about the progression of music that occurred over the course of the evening, I couldn’t help, right or wrong, to think that Beethoven would have been shouting just as loud. I am floored by the creativity that is happening in our city with this world-class orchestra. The Opus One collaborations have been a huge success, and I feel they are vital in getting a younger generation to connect with art music. As Craig Brewer said at the beginning of the night, “Lots of people enjoy classical music, they just don’t know it yet.” I hear you loud and clear, Craig, and by the reaction of the New Daisy crowd on November 10, I think the joy is spreading! Collapse

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    • Event Name: Dvorak's "New World" Symphony
      "Review by Nathan Powell - ArtsMemphis Rants & Raver"
      Comment posted by: Nathan Powell - ArtsMemphis Rants & Raver from Memphis, TN, USA, Oct 22, 2011
      

      This past weekend the Memphis Symphony Orchestra performed a concert featuring the three conducting competition winners: Ken Lam, Roger Kalia and Aram Demirjian. Each winner had the opportunity to... Expand

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      This past weekend the Memphis Symphony Orchestra performed a concert featuring the three conducting competition winners: Ken Lam, Roger Kalia and Aram Demirjian. Each winner had the opportunity to conduct a piece from the orchestral repertoire. Kalia conducted Paul Hindemith’s Symphonic Metamorphosis on Themes of Carl von Weber; Demirjian conducted Maurice Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G Major; and Lam conducted Antonin Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9. The Hindemith piece was a highlight for me. I love to hear music of twentieth century composers and was thrilled to hear this piece as the opener. Roger Kalia was able to bring out lovely dynamic contrasts by the orchestra, and the diminuendo at the end of the second movement by the percussion was brilliantly executed. Kalia was also able to get a lush balance in the string section at the beginning of the third movement, and move seamlessly between tempi and meters, bringing out the joyful triumph in the final movement; I would also like to point out how wonderful the brass sounded in this final movement! The second piece was the Ravel concerto, Jura Margulis, soloist. Aram Demirjian was connected to the soloist in a way that brought out the jazz-inspired romanticism of this piece – not and easy feat! Margulis’ sensitivity to the Ravel concerto was also very inspiring. The second movement in particular seemed to hit the audience with a great sense of enchantment as the melodic pattern climbed higher and higher and even seemed to drift into registers that the piano does not know. The final piece was Dvorak’s ninth symphony. Ken Lam, who won first prize in the conducting competition, conducted this famous work. As I watched Lam conduct, I couldn’t help but notice how his energy seemed to mirror that of Maestra Chenn. I could tell that the orchestra was inspired to play at a high level and the result was fantastic music! I have heard many recordings and performances of this work, and I am convinced that Lam’s interpretation was one of the best. From the beautifully shaped phrases to the unexpected fermatas, I was very impressed by this young conductor and our city’s orchestra. By the end of the fourth movement, I was jumping to my feet as quickly as I could to applaud these fine musicians! As always, if you haven’t made it out to hear any music this season, make it a priority! See you at the concert hall. Collapse

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    • Event Name: Bach, Brahms, & Beethoven
      "Review by Nathan Powell - ArtsMemphis Rants & Raver"
      Comment posted by: Nathan Powell - ArtsMemphis Rants & Raver from Memphis, TN, Oct 07, 2011
      

      The 3 B’s What could be better on a cool, autumn night than sitting with a wonderful friend and taking in delightful music? No, I’m not referring to a vinyl listening party, but none other... Expand

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      The 3 B’s What could be better on a cool, autumn night than sitting with a wonderful friend and taking in delightful music? No, I’m not referring to a vinyl listening party, but none other than the first Classic Accents concert of the 2011-2012 Memphis Symphony Orchestra season. The program? Only 3 of the greatest composers of western music: Bach, Beethoven and Brahms! Bach’s beloved Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 started the concert. As in the Opus One series, the performers were standing (except for the cellos, obviously) and playing without Maestra Chen. This was quite risky and required the musicians to rely on one another much more than usual. Except for some slight intonation issues in the violas, this piece was a huge success! The dancing counterpoint and buoyant fugues were played with great energy and rapid-fire speed. A special kudos to concertmaster, Susanna Perry Gilmore for her beautiful solo playing during the second movement. To cleanse the palate of Baroque tastes, Beethoven’s Overture to the Creatures of Prometheus was ignited by Mei-Ann Chen. The great pronouncement of the opening chords led us through the gateway of Romanticism and brought us to the feet of Johannes Brahms. While I am not the biggest Brahms fan (hard to believe, huh?), I truly enjoy his Variations on A Theme by Haydn. The balance across the orchestra was nearly perfect and the brass and wind sections were the stars, in my ears at least! Lastly, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 4 closed out the night. I was very struck by the fact that Mei-Ann had been conducting the entire concert from memory thus far and didn’t need any relief from a score. There are so many wonderful melodies in this symphony, and the movements were performed with great precision. The principal bassoonist, Jennifer Rhodes, had given a brief introduction to the symphony and brought our attention to an extremely difficult solo that causes bassoonists to tremble in Beethoven’s shadow. Fortunately for her, she nailed it! It seems as though this will be another successful year for Maestra Chen and the MSO. Looking over the season, I am very excited for the music we will hear. See you at the concert hall! Collapse

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    • Event Name: French Favorites
      "French Inspirations"
      Comment posted by: Nathan Powell - ArtsMemphis Rants & Raver from Memphis, TN, Mar 24, 2011
      

      On March 18, 2011, the Memphis Symphony Orchestra presented a chamber concert of works by two outstanding French composers, Maurice Ravel and Georges Bizet. Led by guest conductor Andrew Grams, the... Expand

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      On March 18, 2011, the Memphis Symphony Orchestra presented a chamber concert of works by two outstanding French composers, Maurice Ravel and Georges Bizet. Led by guest conductor Andrew Grams, the orchestra was once again in top form. The first piece by Ravel, Le Tombeau de Couperin, was a fantastic opener. The swirling melody in the oboe led the audience into the lush palate of sonorities presented by Ravel. Grams’ conducting was very organic and fluid, often resembling a dance. There were times he just let the orchestra play, which reminded me of Bernstein’s technique, while just giving key entrances. The fluttering endings of two of the movements seemed to leave the ending notes drifting in the air, like doves being released, until just out of an earshot. The second piece, Pavanne pour une infante défunte, was also by Ravel. Grams gave a very entertaining introduction to the piece before the opening entrance by the French horn. This piece, coupled with the sensitive playing by the orchestra, reminded me of a slow jazz tune. The warm colors from the orchestra, along with a good amount of sixth chords, helped solidify this in my mind. The final piece on the program was Bizet’s Symphony No. 1 in C Major. The first movement was very energetic and light. After hearing the first few bars, it was easy to recognize this work as being composed by a seventeen-year-old Bizet. The strings seemed to play with extraordinary passion as they moved like waves with their bowings. The beginning of the second movement was a little shaky. Grams’ cues were not exactly what the MSO is used to, and it showed in the three opening entrances. However, at the end of the movement those entrances returned and were played very well. The final two movements were played with great vigor, and left the audience with a sense of revitalized youth. Grams was a great guest conductor and brought out some beautiful musical moments from the orchestra. If you still haven’t ventured out to hear our remarkable symphony orchestra, make sure you purchase tickets for the upcoming pops concert on April 9. See you at the symphony! Collapse

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    • Event Name: First Tennessee Masterworks Series: Infernal Dance
      "Review by Nathan Powell - ArtsMemphis Rants & Raver"
      Comment posted by: Nathan Powell - ArtsMemphis Rants & Raver from Memphis, TN, Feb 27, 2011
      

      If you thrive on music that is heavily rhythmic, passionate and wonderfully interpreted, then you should have been in attendance at The Canon Center on Saturday, February 19. Guest conductor, Eckart... Expand

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      If you thrive on music that is heavily rhythmic, passionate and wonderfully interpreted, then you should have been in attendance at The Canon Center on Saturday, February 19. Guest conductor, Eckart Preu led the Memphis Symphony Orchestra in a stellar concert that really got the blood pumping! Offenbach’s Overture to Orpheus in the Underworld started the program. From the initial downbeat, Preu exhibited stunning energy that was instantly contagious. The solos for clarinet, oboe, cello and violin were brilliantly executed and there was such love and joy in Preu’s face as the orchestra flew into this opening selection. Dancers from Ballet Memphis joined the orchestra onstage during the end of the overture to dance the can-can, and their rendition was whimsical and humorous. The next piece, Chopin’s Concerto No. 1 in E minor for Piano and Orchestra, was brilliant. Soloist, Orion Weiss was a perfect fit for this Romantic masterpiece. The opening piano theme was played tenderly, and sent a hushed nostalgia into the audience. This was contrasted by the incessant chromatic lines, which were played with such sensitivity that it seemed as though the notes were falling like shimmering diamonds out of the air. After a brief intermission, the orchestra played Miguel Del Aguila’s Conga Line in Hell. I really enjoyed this piece of music. The title and sound of the work seemed to be something that came straight out of the movie, Beetlejuice. With strong Latin rhythms, this number had my feet aching to dance! Finally, Stravinsky’s Suite from The Firebird lit up the room. This early ballet by Stravinsky has always been a personal favorite, and I was very pleased with the impeccable conducting and execution demonstrated by Preu and our beloved orchestra. After a two-week break, we will continue our journey of discovery with a trip to France. Vive la France! Collapse

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    • Event Name: Italian Masters
      "Italian Masters Come to Buckman"
      Comment posted by: Nathan Powell - ArtsMemphis Rants & Raver from Memphis, TN, Jan 23, 2011
      

      If you attended the Italian Masters concert at Buckman Performing Arts Center on January 22, then you already know that this will be a rave review! The small chamber orchestra, conducted from memory... Expand

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      If you attended the Italian Masters concert at Buckman Performing Arts Center on January 22, then you already know that this will be a rave review! The small chamber orchestra, conducted from memory and led by our fearless leader Mei-Ann Chenn, was in top form all night. We heard music by Respighi, Vivaldi, Puccini, Mascagni, Verdi and Rossini. Each piece was a pure delight and transported the audience to glorious Italia! It was also a joy to see Mei-Ann back on the podium after, what seemed like, a very long 7 weeks. Respighi’s Ancient Airs and Dances, Set 3, opened the concert with such lovely, sweet melodies. The aggressive fourth movement was a stunning display of passionate playing, as the violins attacked constant down bowings and almost leapt from their seats while playing. My only complaint of the entire evening was a slight intonation problem from the violas at the beginning of the final movement. The next piece, L’inverno from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, was another treat. The soloist, 16 year-old Caroline Kim, performed this Baroque masterpiece magnificently. This Houston High School junior was a hometown hit; she tackled the solo with great vigor and superb sensitivity. Puccini’s I Crisantemi, which we learned was composed for a funeral, was achingly beautiful. The glissandi in the melodies spoke of loss and longing, and each section of the strings were extremely perceptive to Mei-Ann’s directing. The final three pieces, all taken from operas by Mascagni, Verdi and Rossini, left me wanting to immediately go home and watch scenes from my favorite Italian operatic masterpieces. Another aspect, true to MSO form, that inspired the audience was the involvement of the players in educating the audience about the pieces. We heard five introductions from five very different people. We heard stories of Italian families, favorite movies, and a very comical display from oboist, Joey Salvalaggio. At the end of the concert, I was anxious to taste the Italian food at the reception and congratulate the players on a job well done! Viva Italia, viva MSO! Collapse

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    • Event Name: First Tennessee Germantown Sunday Series: Italian Inspirations
      "Review by Nathan Powell - ArtsMemphis Rants & Raver"
      Comment posted by: Nathan Powell - ArtsMemphis Rants & Raver from Memphis, TN, Jan 23, 2011
      

      This past Sunday, the Memphis Symphony Orchestra played a very interesting concert. The program consisted of Italian flavored music, composed mostly by non-Italians. We heard music from Rossini,... Expand

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      This past Sunday, the Memphis Symphony Orchestra played a very interesting concert. The program consisted of Italian flavored music, composed mostly by non-Italians. We heard music from Rossini, Mendelssohn and Tchaikovsky. Filling the role of guest conductor was Daniel Hege, whose leadership attained a wondrous sound from the orchestra. The opening pizzicato of Rossini’s Overture to L’italiana in Algeri was spot on, and the dance-like melodies in the wind section were light and played with ease. To set the mood for Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 4, there was a short vignette about Mendelssohn’s time spent in Italy. Complete with an Italian street musician, this proved to be both entertaining and educational! The opening of the first movement of the symphony was grand, and the balance in the second movement between the opening eighth note pattern in the celli and basses against the slower theme in the violins was a testimony to the sensitivity of the conductor. The final movement was launched with great ferocity and the precision of the wind section, particularly the flute, was impeccable. After a brief intermission, the cello soloist, Alban Gerhardt, was brought to the stage to perform Tchaikovsky’s Variations on A Rococo Theme. Even though his cello slipped slightly on the platform during his performance, Gerhardt’s professionalism and immense musicality captured the audience. His playing was extraordinarily passionate, with forceful attacks and sensitive diminuendos. The final piece of the afternoon, Tchaikovsky’s Capriccio Italien, was a perfect selection to send us home. The brass section shone in the opening and the stirring music had the audience on its feet at the final cutoff. This proved to be another great afternoon spent with friends, patrons and our fabulous MSO! Collapse

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    • Event Name: Home for the Holidays
      "Home for the Holidays: MSO Pops"
      Comment posted by: Nathan Powell - ArtsMemphis Rants & Raver from Memphis, TN, Dec 16, 2010
      

      It’s finally that time of year again. Crackling fires, the smell of baking gingerbread, hot chocolate, family and friends… all these things fill our hearts with the wonder of the holidays. Another... Expand

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      It’s finally that time of year again. Crackling fires, the smell of baking gingerbread, hot chocolate, family and friends… all these things fill our hearts with the wonder of the holidays. Another favorite is the Memphis Symphony Orchestra’s annual Holiday Pops concert. This year was no exception. Mei-Ann Chenn put together a fantastic program that was full of joy, awe, laughter and surprises. The orchestra was joined by the Memphis Symphony Chorus, soprano, Ashley Brown; boy soprano, Bailey Dumlao; and dancers from Ballet Memphis. The evening began with a bang, as the orchestra flew into John Wasson’s Festival Fanfare for Christmas. This high-energy piece prepared the audience for a night of musical memories and soaring musicianship. Another highlight was the “surprise” of the evening. Dancers from Ballet Memphis joined the orchestra onstage for two of the selections from the Nutcracker, The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy and The Russian Dance. The piece Mei-Ann chose to honor the Chinese new year, Sabaei Dance, was another outstanding selection. With a brilliant section highlighting the oboe, flute and clarinet, this piece put a smile on everyone’s faces! The selection that paid homage to Hanukkah was Chanukah Suite, arranged by Jeff Tyzik. Beautifully orchestrated, this piece was a huge hit with my daughter, who immediately picked up on the dreydl, dreydl, dreydl theme. The Memphis Symphony Chorus now joined the orchestra by filing in through the aisles, singing What Child is This? This selection was one of my favorites of the night. The chorus sounded lovely and the oboe solo in the middle of the piece was played with great sensitivity. After another wonderful selection with the chorus, we heard soprano, Ashley Brown sing O Holy Night. Her clear and powerful Broadway voice was a welcome addition to the already wonderful program. After the intermission, we heard the token Sleigh Ride, complete with whinnying trumpet, courtesy of Scott Moore. We were then treated to more Broadway style as Ashley Brown sang My Favorite Things and was joined by boy soprano, Bailey Dumlao, for part of the Suite From the Polar Express. Mei-Ann Chenn led the audience in A Christmas Medley Sing Along, and ended with We Wish You A Merry Christmas. The program, though long, was a great way to gear up for the holidays. I am sure that everyone left with music on their lips and joy in their hearts. Happy Holidays! Collapse

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