Program Notes

New Philharmonic Orchestra of Irving

2008 - 2009 Season

SEASON   FINALE

Musical Climax

Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 7:30 p.m.

C.M. Von Weber:          Overture to Oberon

Ginastera:                    Concerto for Harp, op. 25

Naoko Nakamura Stromberg, Harp

J. Brahms:                      Symphony #1 in c minor, op. 68

The New Philharmonic Orchestra of Irving under the direction of Dr. Sergio Espinosa presents Musical Climax at the Irving Arts Center’s Carpenter Hall on Tuesday, May 19th at 7:30 pm. The 2008-2009 Season Finale opens with the Overture to Oberon, one of most well-known works of Carl Maria von Weber (1786-1826). From the opening notes in the horns the overture takes the listener on a fantastic journey with orchestration admired by the likes of Berlioz and Wagner. The Argentinian composer Alberto Ginastera (1916-1983) is widely regarded as one of the most important and original South American composers of the 20th century. Heavily influenced by Stravinsky, his music combines modern composing techniques with the energetic rhythms and lyrical melodies rooted in Argentine folk music. His Concerto for Harp, op. 25, features Naoko Nakamura Stromberg. A native of Yokohama, Japan, Naoko Nakamura Stromberg now maintains an active performing and teaching schedule in the Dallas area.  Her professional training began at the Manhattan School of Music, Preparatory Division, followed by three years of study with Ms. Alice Chalifoux at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music where she received a Bachelor of Music in Harp Performance and Piano. Ms. Stromberg also spent three summers at the Salzedo Harp Colony in Camden, Maine, and two years at the Shepherd School of Music, Rice University where she obtained a Masters Degree in Harp Performance under the direction of Ms. Paula Page, principal harpist for the Houston Symphony. Ms. Stromberg’s orchestral experiences have included performances with the Dallas Symphony, the Houston Symphony Orchestra, Houston Ballet.  In addition, she has attended numerous music festivals in the United States and she has performed as a soloist, chamber musician, and a member of orchestra to Asia, Central America, and South America. The program closes with Brahms’ First Symphony, reviewed on its first public hearing where critic and contemporary Hanslick declared it “one of the most individual and magnificent works of the symphonic literature,” an assessment which still holds true for audiences today. The 6:30 Pre-concert Recital features the Allegro Piano Quartet.

$15 general admission, $12 seniors, $8 students through the IAC Box Office 972/252-ARTS  For information, check the website  HYPERLINK "http://owamail.irvingisd.net/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.npoirving.com/" \t "_blank" www.npoirving.com

Dr. Sergio Espinosa, Conductor/Music Director