'The Planets' and a Soprano Sax May 14, 2011

The Livermore-Amador Symphony will stretch the boundaries of classical music in its concert on Saturday, May 14, 2011 at the Bankhead Theater, presenting virtuoso soprano saxophonist Dale Wolford, plus one of the most innovative and influential compositions of the 20th century, The Planets by Gustav Holst.
Dale Wolford will be the featured soloist for performances of the Fantasia for Saxophone by Heiter Villa-Lobos and Vocalise by Sergei Rachmaninoff. Mr. Wolford is one of the Bay Area's best known saxophonists. The mellow sounds of the soprano saxophone have become more familiar in recent years thanks to the pop music of Kenny G, yet Mr. Wolford's performance will illustrate the instrument's broad potential for expression and melodic dexterity as a concert hall instrument.

Also featured in this performance is one of the 20th century's most truly original major works, The Planets by Gustav Holst. The Planets was the most radical classical composition ever written by a major British composer when it received its public premiere in 1920. Its seven movements depict the astrological influences of the planets and became a source of inspiration for Hollywood composers. Each movement is a vivid portrait in sound, creating theatrical images in the minds of listeners. The sinister "Mars, the Bringer of War" is striking similar to, yet pre-dates by nearly six decades, the Star Wars music of John Williams. The ethereal "Neptune, the Mystic" features off-stage female voices that may remind listeners of the original Star Trek theme. Completing the evening's program is Suppe's Poet and Peasant Overture.

A pre-concert talk will begin at 7pm. Speakers will be Dale Wolford and Peter Curzon, a member of the orchestra and its music committee. Doors open at 6:45.

Official Website: http://livamsymph.org