Greater Newburgh Symphony Orchestra to present ‘Summit & Vale’

The Greater Newburgh Symphony Orchestra will present “Summit & Vale” at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 8, at Aquinas Hall at Mount Saint Mary College. The performance represents the intersection of the power of creations and endings.

Elgar’s “Cello Concerto” was the composer’s last major composition, written at a time when his music had already fallen out of favor with the public. Seen as a relic from the era of Edwardian excess, the concerto failed to resonate with the disillusioned post-war populace. Today, it is a beloved classical work and the soloist for this concerto will be New York Philharmonic cellist Sumire Kudo.

Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 5 was hailed as one of the great musical achievements of the age. The historical significance was intensified by artillery fire interrupting the premiere to signal the Red Army’s successful push through the Nazi frontlines.

“The title of this program refers to the peak of Prokofiev’s career and the nadir of Elgar’s,” said maestro Russell Ger. “Tying the two together is Jessie Montgomery’s ‘Starburst,’ a work of brilliantly explosive color depicting both the birth and death of stars.”

Ticket prices are $75 for Balcony, $60 for Center Reserved, $50 for General and $30 for Senior Citizen (62 years and older). They can be purchased at the door, by visiting newburghsymphony.org, or by calling 845-913-7157. Students are admitted free.