
“Escape to Reflection” – Signature Concert No. 4
March 4, 2023 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
This performance features Nigerian composer Chief Olufela Obafunmilayo “Fela” Sowande’s nostalgic African Suite.
Living American composer Aaron Jay Kernis’ Elegy (for those we lost) was written in memory of the victims of Covid-19.
In 1937, Benjamin Britten’s Variations on a Theme of Frank Bridge was written as a character portrait of his revered teacher.
Antonio Vivaldi’s bold Concerto Grosso, Op. 3, No. 11 is a virtuoso work for three string players and orchestra.
When:
Saturday, March 4, 2023
7:30 PM
Pre-Concert Lecture at 6:30
Where:
Lincoln Center Main Stage
417 W. Magnolia St.
Fort Collins, CO 80521
Tickets:
$25-67 adult, $10 student/child.
Available August 17
at LCTix.com

What’s interesting about this concert:
– Aaron Jay Kernis wrote his Elegy (for those we lost) at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. It is dedicated “to the families of loved ones who passed away from the coronavirus and to the doctors, nurses, and other health-care professionals who worked so tirelessly to save those loved ones.”
– The music on this concert was written by each composer to honor something or somebody important to them. Fela Sowande’s African Suite celebrates music from Nigeria. Aaron Kernis’s Elegy honors those lost in the Covid-19 Pandemic, and Britten’s Variations honor his composition teacher Frank Bridge.
– This concert highlights the string players of the Fort Collins Symphony. It features four incredible and engaging works for string orchestra.
– Nigerian composer Fela Sowande is considered the father of Nigerian art music. His African Suite celebrates music from West Africa, including traditional and popular dances and songs.
On this concert:
Antonio Vivaldi – Concerto Grosso No. 11 in D Minor
Fela Sowande – African Suite
Benjamin Britten – Variations on a Theme of Frank Bridge
Aaron Jay Kernis – Elegy (for those we lost)
Spotify Playlist:
Join us for:
Composer Talk:
Join CSU professor Dr. K. Dawn Grapes on the Wednesday prior to most Signature concerts for an entertaining and informative lecture about the upcoming featured composers. Light refreshments. Sponsored by the Friends of the Symphony.
Wednesday, March 1
12 noon, at the Old Town Library
Free
Open Rehearsal:
Learn firsthand what it takes for an orchestra to bring live music to the stage. Houselights remain on during this comfortable preview of each upcoming Signature concert. The rehearsal closes to the public at 8:30 p.m. intermission. Sponsored by Bank of Colorado.
Thursday, March 2
7:00 PM, at the Lincoln Center
Free
Maestro’s Musings:
Prior to each Signature concert, join Maestro Wes Kenney for his musings on what you are about to hear.
Saturday, March 4
6:30 PM, at the Lincoln Center
Included with ticket purchase
Sponsors:
Dr. David and Alison Dennis
Dr. Ed Siegel
Dr. Peter Springberg and Janet Kowall
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