News release
The Hays Symphony will be presenting “Voyage to France”, a joint spring concert with the FHSU Choirs and Smoky Hill Chorale on at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, May 1, at the FHSU Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center.
The concert features pivotal works by two Frenchmen: Gloria, by Francis Poulenc with soprano soloist, Dr. Ivalah Allen is conducted by Dr. Terry Crull, and Symphonie Fantastique, by Hector Berlioz, is conducted by Dr. Brian Buckstead.
Gloria was written four years before Poulenc’s death and was described by some as “bordering on the sacrilegious.” In response Poulenc is said to have replied, “While writing it I had in mind those Crozzoli frescoes with angels sticking out their tongues, and also some solemn-looking Benedictine monks that I saw playing football one day.” A music critic of his day described Poulenc’s personality as “something of a monk and something of the rascal.” The work is divided into six short movements and the text of the Gloria is in Latin from the Roman Catholic Mass. The Gloria for soprano soloist, chorus and orchestra enjoyed immediate acclaim and remains popular to this day,
Dr. Terry Crull, conducting Gloria, is Associate Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities at Fort Hays State University. His duties include conducting Fort Hays Singers, Concert Choir, Women's Chorale, Men's Glee Club, and Smoky Hill Chorale.
Soprano Soloist, Dr. Ivalah Allen, FHSU Associate Professor of Voice, is a clinician, vocal and classroom instructor, conductor, and opera and music theatre director. Dr. Allen has performed as soloist on the opera, recital, symphonic, and oratorio stage throughout the Midwest.
Symphonie Fantastique is a five-movement portrait of romantic obsession, complete with a witches’ Sabbath, a guillotine and wild hallucinations. The work is thought to be an autobiographical expression of Berlioz’s unrequited love for theEnglish actress Harriet Smithson. A central figure of the Romantic Movement, Berlioz creates almost nightmarish sonorities that sweep the listener to experience deep emotions. The composition challenges the members of the orchestra by asking the musicians to play outside of their normal range. Berlioz’ Symphonie Fantastique had its premiere at the Paris Conservatory on December 5, 1830, almost two-hundred years ago; yet remains a popular work programed often by American symphony orchestras.
Dr. Brian Buckstead is Assistant Professor of Violin and Viola at Fort Hays State University, as well as director of the Hays Symphony. He enjoys a thriving career as a violinist, violist and conductor. Brian is passionate about the education of young musicians. In addition to adjudicating local and national music competitions, he co-developed Bring Back the Music, an initiative to bring string instrument education to two underprivileged public schools in Medicine Hat, Alberta.
This free concert and the post-concert reception made possible by a generous donation from Auto World (Kay and Dick Werth).
All Hays Symphony concerts are free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to reserve tickets in advance on the symphony’s web site. Tickets may also be picked up in advance at the Hays Convention Visitors Bureau and the Downtown Hays Development Corporation, or at the symphony table in the lobby 30 minutes before the performance.
Cover image courtesy Pixabay