The Springfield Symphony Orchestra’s season of love continues Saturday, Feb. 4 with one of the greatest — and most tragic — love stories of all. The Symphony will perform Sergei Prokofiev’s score for the ballet “Romeo and Juliet” as part of its “Star Crossed Lovers” concert.
The show starts at 7:30 p.m at Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts.
“What is a better subject than Romeo and Juliet for our season of music about love,” said Kyle Wiley Pickett, music director and conductor for the Springfield Symphony Orchestra. “Prokofiev’s haunting and beautiful ballet suite is always an audience favorite and everyone will surely recognize its themes, which are used constantly in movie and TV soundtracks.”
The orchestra will also present Chinese composer Deqing Wen’s symphonic poem “Nostalgia,” and 2022 Hellam Young Artists’ Competition winner Ilkhom Mukhiddinov will perform Niccolò Paganini’s “Violin Concerto No. 1.”
The Hellam Young Artists’ Competition dates back to 1997. It’s a competition for young musical artists ages 18-26 who are currently enrolled in undergraduate studies in colleges and universities, or in music conservatories. It was founded by and is directed and underwritten by Dr. Duane and Judy Hellam, under the aegis of the Springfield Symphony Association.
The purpose of the Hellam Young Artists’ Competition is to provide a valid professional evaluation of performance art in a competitive setting. Competitors may also request private conferences and discussions with jurors. First prize is $3,500 and a $3,500 contract to perform with the Springfield Symphony Orchestra. The second-place winner receives $3,500 and third prize takes home $1,500. There is also the Stephen & Linda Paganini Brite Award of $1,000.
Initially focused on the Midwest, its scope was expanded in 2000 to welcome entries from music schools, conservatories and universities all over the United States. Competitors have come from Germany, Bulgaria, Russia, Lithuania, Taiwan, Japan, the Republic of China, Pakistan and the Republic of Georgia.
“Every year, I look forward to working with our Hellam Competition winner,” Pickett said. “The Hellam Competition brings us spectacularly talented young professionals, and we are often among the first orchestras to perform with these young virtuosi. This year is no exception.”
The Springfield Symphony Orchestra is offering limited Valentine’s Day packages for “Star Crossed Lovers.” You’ll get two gold-level tickets, an $80 value, for just $50. The packages are on sale now by calling 417-864-6683, or through the Springfield Symphony Orchestra’s website.
Want to go?
What: Springfield Symphony Orchestra presents “Star Crossed Lovers”
When: Feb. 4, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts
Tickets: $25-$60, with discounts available for students and seniors. Call 417-836-7678 or visit the Missouri State Tix website.
