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National Repertory Orchestra presents Czech and Russian favorites

Bailey Salinero
Special to the Daily
The National Repertory Orchestra will present the music of Dvořák & Rachmaninoff on Friday, June 24 at 7:30 p.m.
Special to the Daily |

IF YOU GO

What: NRO Presents Dvořák & Rachmaninoff

Program: Richard Wagner: “Overture to The Flying Dutchman”; Antonin Dvořák: “Concerto in A minor for Violin and Orchestra, op. 53”; Sergei Rachmaninoff: “Symphonic Dances, op. 45”

When: Friday, June 24 at 7:30 p.m.

Where: Riverwalk Center, 150 W Adams Ave., Breckenridge

Cost: $25-$40, $7/youth 18 & under

More Information: 970-453-5825 or online at nromusic.com

The National Repertory Orchestra, an 88-piece symphony assembled from young musicians from around the world and led by Conductor Carl Topilow, will present the music of Dvořák & Rachmaninoff on Friday, June 24 at 7:30 p.m. NRO concertmaster, Madeleine Vaillancourt, will showcase “Dvořák Violin Concerto in A minor” followed by Rachmaninoff’s final composition, the “Symphonic Dances.”

The evening begins with Wagner’s “Overture to The Flying Dutchman.” He is celebrated as one of the greatest opera composers of all time. His use of colorful textures, thick orchestration and rich harmonies makes his music instantly recognizable and thoroughly romantic.

Wagner’s opera “The Flying Dutchman” was inspired by the legend of a sea captain doomed to sail for eternity after committing blasphemy. In his version, he added that the captain would be freed from the curse by obtaining the selfless and faithful love of a woman. In his “Overture to The Flying Dutchman,” listen for themes depicting stormy seas, love and redemption.



Dvořák is known for his contagious melodies and use of Bohemian themes and rhythms. Although Czech born, he spent much time in the United States directing the National Conservatory of Music in New York City. He was celebrated in the States for his exoticism and exploration of American music, heard in his “New World Symphony.”

The Violin Concerto in A minor premiered in Vienna and helped launch Dvořák to international acclaim. This work moves from darkness to light, as the first two movements demonstrate power and drama, and a daring technical feat for the soloist. The last movement, no less challenging, features his characteristic Czech folk melodies and rhythms culminating in a spirited and celebratory dance.



NRO co-concertmaster Vaillancourt will stand before the orchestra to deliver a commanding performance of the “Dvořák Violin Concerto in A minor.” Vaillancourt made her Carnegie Hall debut at age 17 performing the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto with the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra. She has been featured as a soloist with numerous other orchestras including the Aspen Philharmonic as winner of the Aspen Music Festival Concerto Competition in 2015. Madeleine is currently a Bachelor of Music candidate at the prestigious Colburn School in Los Angeles.

Rachmaninoff redefines “dance music” in the final composition of his lifetime, the “Symphonic Dances.” The three distinct movements leave nothing to the imagination. The piece opens with a thumping, sinister motive eventually giving way to a sweeping and utterly heartbreaking melody in the strings.

The second movement is no ordinary waltz. Imagine ghostly figures twirling around a magnificent ballroom cursed with past horrors. Eerily charming and hauntingly seductive, this waltz is a dance movement unlike any other.

The finale is a diabolical witches Sabbath. Rhythm drives the mania as the orchestra whips into an uncontrollable frenzy.

Rachmaninoff, whose life was full of disappointment and depression, writes at the end of his last manuscript the words “I thank Thee, Lord.” Strangely reminiscent of his life and relationship with composing, the “Symphonic Dances” are dynamic and unpredictable, yet irrepressibly captivating.

Tickets for this concert range from $25-40 and are $7 for audience members ages 18 and under. Tickets may be purchased at the Riverwalk Center Box Office, 150 W. Adams Ave., Breckenridge, by phone at (970) 547-3100, or online atnromusic.com.

Bailey Salinero is a marketing intern for the NRO.


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