Judy Spokes

Felix Mendelssohn

RAVEL, DVORAK, MAHLER, YOUNG COMPOSERS FEATURED IN BSO'S 2010-2011 SEASON

The Brooklyn Symphony Orchestra has announced its 2010-2011 season program which showcases 18th century classics, a local New York City composer, and works by teenagers.

"Our longtime artistic director Nicholas Armstrong has selected a unique and intriguing program of classics and contemporary works," said BSO incoming president Jill Jefferson. "The new season promises captivating performances for players and audiences alike," she said.

Jefferson, a resident of Park Slope, has recently assumed the BSO's presidential duties, taking over from Stephen Painter who has stepped down as president after two years in the position.

Maestro Nicholas Armstrong returns for his 14th season with the Brooklyn Symphony Orchestra. "This year we have a real treat in store -- a concert devoted to works by teenage composers," Armstrong noted. "At our June concert, we'll play Mendelssohn's String Symphony in C, Korngold's Sinfonietta in B major, and we'll showcase pieces by young Brooklyn composers. "Mendelssohn was just 16 when he composed this string symphony, and Erich Korngold, noted for his sumptuous film scores, was a mere 14 years old when he completed the stunning Sinfonietta."

The season kicks off October 31, 3pm, at the Church of St. Ann and the Holy Trinity in Brooklyn Heights showcasing Queens resident James Cohn's Sympnoy #2 in F. Also on the program are Maurice Ravel's "La Valse" and Gustav Mahler's "Kindertotenlieder," in a new English translation by Glen Roven.

"With James Cohn's Symphony #2 in F, the BSO continues its tradition of featuring works by local living composers," Jefferson said.

The second concert on December 19 will see the return of violinist and former BSO concertmistress Judy Spokes who will perform Saint-Saens' "La Muse et Le Poete" with her husband, cellist David Cho. The program is rounded out by Antonin Dvorak's Symphony #6.

"We're so happy to have Judy and David perform with us," Armstrong noted. "They're both top-notch, and it will be a joyful experience to have our longtime first chair and good friend, Judy Spokes, in our midst again."

In April, the BSO joins forces once again with the Grace and Spiritus Chorale of Brooklyn. Led by Music Director James Busby, the Chorale will join with the BSO performing works by Puccini, Verdi, Bizet and Respighi.

"We've had such fun performing with the Grace and Spiritus Chorale of Brooklyn in past seasons," Jefferson noted. "Tapping into another great Brooklyn institution, these performances have always packed the house -- and the stage -- and provided a thrilling musical experience for all."

A February concert is also planned, featuring a guest conductor yet to be named.

All concerts are open to the public with a suggested donation of $15.00. The Church of St. Ann and the Holy Trinity, commonly referred to as St. Ann's Church, is the orchestra's longtime home and is located at the corner of Montague and Clinton Streets, in Brooklyn Heights. An historic landmark, the building contains the first figural stained-glass windows made in the United States.