Midland Symphony Orchestra to Perform a Work Fitting for the Opening Night Occasion

It is Opening Night, for an actual indoor performance, where families and couples will gather together, get dolled up and enjoy a night out with live music featuring the Midland Symphony Orchestra. An affair that many have waited for, where the buzzing and energy permeates through the Brick Lobby at Midland Center for the Arts, and audiences shuffle into the Auditorium for a shared artistic experience.

“After 19 months of virtual activities, outdoor events and small indoor gathers, we are eager to welcome a full audience to the Auditorium,” said Dr. Matt Travis, Director of Produced Programs at Midland Center for the Arts. “We have been working diligently to create a grand homecoming for our subscribers and patrons to experience the Midland Symphony Orchestra from the comfort of our iconic green seats.”

The program will feature more than 50 musicians under the direction of Music Director Bohuslav Rattay, and include three works by composers Jessie Montgomery, Jean Sibelius and Johannes Brahms. Closing the performance will be Symphony No. 1 in C Minor by Johannes Brahms, a work that he himself said took 21 years to create, from first sketches to final touches.

“This magnificent work is considered to be the greatest symphony in the Austro-German tradition,” described Dr. Travis. “We found it perfectly fitting that after our long-awaited return to come together for a full-season, that we highlight this piece as our opening work!”

In addition to the works by Brahms and Sibelius, the Orchestra will perform Banner, composed by Jessie Montgomery, a living composer, violinist and activist that is highly sought after for her creations. “Jessie Montgomery is one of my favorite composers, and this work takes on a very familiar melody that is written for string quartet and orchestra.” Composed as a tribute to the 200th anniversary of the Star-Spangled Banner, the piece examines what an anthem for the 21st century sounds like in today’s multicultural environment. “Jessie is one of the most interesting voices and composers still alive today and this piece is one of her most famous works.”

Tickets for the Opening Night performance of Brahms and More with the Midland Symphony Orchestra can be purchased online at midlandcenter.org or by calling the Ticket Office at 989-631-5930.

Midland Center for the Arts continues to review COVID-19 policies and precautions so patrons, artists, staff, teachers, students and volunteers can enjoy memorable experiences with complete confidence intheir health and safety. As the Center welcomes patrons back into the Auditorium, masks will be required of all patrons in the building 2 years and older. To learn more about the Center’s COVID-19 policies and precautions visit midlandcenter.org/COVID.