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Bassist Connie Deeter Joins Pasadena Community Orchestra for Concerto No. 1
Arts Mar 09, 2017
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– Courtesy photo
Hear Beethoven’s Egmont Overture and the delightful Symphony #8, plus Holst’s St. Paul’s Suite for String Orchestra and the Pichl Concerto No. 1 for Bass
Friday, March 17, 2017, at 8:00 p.m., bassist Connie Deeters, who has performed on approximately 40 movie or television scores, performs live in Concerto No. 1 for Bass by Vaclav Pichl (a contemporary of Mozart). Under Music Director Bethany Pflueger, the orchestra performs Beethoven’s heroic Egmont Overture, the spirited St. Paul’s Suite of Gustav Holst, and Beethoven’s delightful and humorous Symphony #8.
A graduate of the Julliard School in New York City, Connie Deeter is a member of the Pacific and Redlands Symphonies, and has played with the Pasadena, San Diego, Long Beach, and Santa Barbara symphonies. Her film and television recordings include Star Trek: First Contact among many others. Connie is on the faculties of Pomona College, Loyola Marymount University, and Glendale College, and also teaches privately. But perhaps she should be best known for the fact that she drives her 26 – pound bass around in a Honda Fit!
The charming and accessible Concerto No. 1 for Bass by Vaclav Pichl invites the audience to explore the different facets of the double bass. The piece is bright and fresh throughout, showing off the performer’s technical skills and giving us a new perspective on this instrument with music that is by turns cheerful and bright, languidly lyrical, and lively and rhythmic.
Beethoven’s Egmont Overture illustrates a theme dear to Beethoven’s heart: the story of a man who triumphed over oppressive forces against daunting odds. The Overture samples the course of the story, from its powerfully dark and ominous opening, through the hero’s increasing confidence and defiance, and finishing with a celebratory splash of trumpets and the shimmering sound of the piccolo.
Holst composed the St. Paul’s Suite for the students at the girls’ school where he happily spent the last 30 years of his life teaching. But the dedicated volunteers in PCO place this work firmly in the mainstream literature: their performance renders it as strong and positive as the British spirit. You’ll be swept up by the opening jig, and delight in the interplay of two folksongs (including “Greensleeves”) at the end of the piece.
You don’t need any musical education or experience to hear the humor in Beethoven’s Symphony #8. Beethoven referred to it as “my little symphony in F,” and it is his most delightful and humorous symphony. Listen for his wry touches (woodwinds peeking out from behind crashing chords; false downbeats in a minuet making it undanceable) and enjoy the lighter side of Beethoven.
PCO has been bringing fine classical music to the community for 33 years. Admission is free (donations are welcome at the door), and no reservations are needed. Well-trained musicians provide a high-quality musical experience. First Church of the Nazarene is located at 3700 E. Sierra Madre Blvd., one block west of Michillinda Ave. Parking is free and wheelchair accessible. Immediately following the concert, audience members will have the opportunity to meet the Music Director, soloist and other musicians at a reception.
For further information, please contact PCO at (626)445-6708 or publicity@pcomusic.org. Find us online at http://www.pcomusic.org.
