Reno Chamber Orchestra: A Place of Refuge

Jonathan Taylor Rush, guest conductor

Molly Carr, viola

Anna Petrova, piano

Jeannie Psomas, clarinet

TURINA                 Scene Andalouse

LASCURAIN          Novel Voices Double Concerto*

BRUCH                  Concerto for Viola, Clarinet and Orchestra, Op. 88

MENDELSSOHN   Symphony No. 4, ‘Italian’

The RCO welcomes rising star guest conductor Jonathan Taylor Rush (Assistant Conductor, Baltimore Symphony) and the return of Reno native, violist Molly Carr. Carr's work as founder of Project: Music Heals Us brought her to create the Novel Voices Refugee Aid Project, where she and duo partner Anna Petrova performed, spoke and connected with refugees in the U.S., Europe and the Middle East. A duet reflecting on these stories by composer Fernando Lascurain was premiered at Carnegie Hall in 2019, and will be orchestrated for its first performance with soloists and orchestra. Opening the concert, Carr leads an expansive, virtuosic chamber work by Joaquin Turina.

The second half of the program brings principal clarinet Jeannie Psomas center stage for Max Bruch's rare, romantic double concerto for viola and clarinet. These two middle voices often blend into the mix of orchestral writing, but shine through with the expert writing of concerto master, Max Bruch. To close, Mendelssohn's 'Italian' symphony shows the warmth and vivacity of the Mediterrenean through the eyes of the German composer in his first visit. The climate and culture gave Mendelssohn new inspiration and rejuvenation, as well as an instant classic which remains recognizable and beloved into today.