NVSO Announces first concert of the 2017-18 Season

Kevin Kozacek, NVSO Conductor
NVSO to play Broadway and opera favorites. Photo by Mike Benedetto

North Valley Symphony Orchestra is pleased to announce the opening of their 2017-2018 concert season. This season includes four extraordinary music performances, beginning with “Russian Roundup” Oct. 14th, 2017. The concert will begin at 7:00 p.m. at North Canyon H.S., 1700 E. Union Hills Drive.

The concert will include selections showcasing well-known Russian composers. Regarded as one of the major composers of the 20th century, Dmitri Shostakovich wrote his Fifth Symphony – probably his most well-known – at a critical point in his career. It was the first time (and not the last) he faced Stalin’s displeasure, which could be both career- and life-threatening. NVSO will play the fourth movement, which Shostakovich reportedly said privately, is a satirical picture of the dictator.

Modeste Mussorgsky produced his Pictures at an Exhibition to perpetuate the memory of a friend. This musical work was inspired by a visit to an art exhibition. Each of the movements represents one of the drawings or artworks on display. NVSO will play Promenade, that represents a visitor—in this case, the composer himself—strolling through the exhibition, and the final movement, The Great Gate of Kiev, a depiction of a city gate topped by cupolas in which carillons ring, as Mussorgsky brings the piece to a majestic close.

The well-known love theme from Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet is sure to be an audience favorite. Other Russian composers included in this concert will be Glinka, Borodin, and Glière.

The Youth Orchestra will introduce their season to NVSO audience members by taking the stage for a short time to perform ­­­­­­­­­­­­Khatchaturian’s Sabre Dance.

Russian composers have always provided music that American audiences love to hear. This concert will be very entertaining for audience members of all ages.” says founding Music Director, Kevin Kozacek. “Additionally, the orchestra members love playing this repertoire. It is challenging music, and great fun to play because these pieces are true classics.” Kozacek is thrilled with the response and talent of over 75 adult community musicians who began rehearsals Aug. 21st. All three youth ensembles, North Valley Youth Orchestra, North Valley Youth Strings and North Valley Symphonettes, have also grown to more than a combined 65 members.

Russian Roundup” is sponsored by Preferred Travel Services, a travel agency specializing in Russian tours. “Travel is our passion….making your dreams come true is our goal,” says Anthony Goguen of Preferred Travel Services. “We pride ourselves in creating perfect, tailor-made journeys with every detail in mind.” Through extensive professional background and personal travel experience, Preferred Travel Services provides exemplary customer service and a level of expertise that ensures a stress-free, customized vacation.

North Valley Symphony Orchestra is committed to providing an affordable concert experience to communities of the Phoenix North Valley. Ticket prices are $5.00 each concert. For more information about NVSO, to purchase tickets, or if interested in supporting one of the orchestras, visit the website (northvalleysymphony.org). Becoming a concert sponsor or advertising in NVSO’s full color concert program is an excellent way to promote your business, while at the same time supporting NVSO. Your program ad will be seen by over 650 concert-goers per concert. What an excellent way to expose your business, your brand, your product or your service to community members of the Phoenix North Valley, while also demonstrating your valuable support of arts in our community.

NVSO is supported by the Arizona Commission on the Arts with funding from the State of Arizona and the National Endowment for the Arts, and also the Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture through appropriations from the Phoenix City Council.