CRESTVIEW — Saturday night’s opening of the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra’s 2014-15 season brings a tribute to the “greatest generation” in images and music.
“Glory and Remembrance” pays homage to those on the front lines and on the home front as Westwater Arts brings its nationally acclaimed “photo-choreography” to the Mattie Kelly Arts Center.
As the NFSO observes the 100th anniversary of the start of World War I and 70th anniversary of the close of World War II, the concert melds historic photos with the symphony’s selections.
“Patrons will experience a totally unique integration of images and music honoring the men and women of who won history’s most pivotal victory,” NFSO conductor Jeffrey Rink said.
Ralph Vaughan Williams’ “Symphony No. 5” opens the program. The English composer created the work between 1938 and 1943 as the Luftwaffe battled the Royal Air Force in the skies over southern England.
The NFSO then steps back to World War I, with Westwater’s imagery of The Great War joining Aaron Copland’s poignant “Quiet City” in a performance called “No Man’s Land.”
The evening concludes with guest artist and Israeli pianist Yevgeny Yontov, 2013 Wideman International Piano Competition gold medalist, performing Ludwig Van Beethoven’s “Piano Concerto No. 4.”
The concert, which is sponsored by physicians of the Okaloosa County Medical Society, marks the start of “A Musical Voyage,” a season reflecting the broad spectrum of artists, events and music from around the globe.
Together, they “help the orchestra share the beauty of live classical music with today’s more diverse and visually oriented audiences,” Rink said.
WANT TO GO?
WHAT: “Glory and Remembrance," opening concert of the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra's 2014-15 season
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Sept. 20
WHERE: Mattie Kelly Performing Arts Center Mainstage, Northwest Florida State College, Niceville
COST: $25, adults; $18, active duty military, their guests, and youths 18 and younger. NWFC students may request one free ticket per student ID, space permitting.
NOTES: Purchase tickets at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center Box Office, www.MattieKellyArtsCenter.org or call 729-6000
Email News Bulletin Arts Editor Brian Hughes, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 'Glory & Remembrance' honors WWI and WWII in music and images