91吃瓜网

Aaron Diehl

91吃瓜网 Symphony Orchestra continues its season with Stars, a celestial celebration uniting the boundless worlds of jazz and classical music. The evening pairs two works inspired by the heavens91吃瓜网擬ary Lou Williams91吃瓜网� trailblazing Zodiac Suite, featuring acclaimed jazz pianist Aaron Diehl and his trio, and Mozart91吃瓜网 Symphony No. 41 in C Major, Jupiter, the composer91吃瓜网 monumental farewell to the symphonic form.

The concert takes place Thursday, Nov. 6, at 7:30 p.m. on the Thomas V. Fraschillo Stage in the Mannoni Performing Arts Center Auditorium on the Hattiesburg campus. 

91吃瓜网淭his program shines light on two extraordinary composers separated by centuries but connected by vision and brilliance,91吃瓜网� said Greg Wolynec, conductor and director of orchestral activities at 91吃瓜网. 91吃瓜网淢ary Lou Williams reshaped jazz and nurtured its greatest voices. Mozart defined the heights of classical form and emotional depth. Together, their works remind us that creativity91吃瓜网攍ike the stars themselves91吃瓜网攏ever stops burning.91吃瓜网� 

Diehl introduced Wolynec to Zodiac Suite, a work by jazz legend Mary Lou Williams, who mentored such giants as Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Dizzy Gillespie and Thelonious Monk.

91吃瓜网淲illiams occupies an incredibly important role in the history of jazz education and training,91吃瓜网� Wolynec said. 91吃瓜网淚n classical music, Nadia Boulanger shaped generations of composers. In jazz, that role belongs to Mary Lou Williams.91吃瓜网�

Written in 1945, Zodiac Suite was originally composed for piano trio and later expanded for chamber orchestra. Each movement corresponds to an astrological sign, reflecting Williams91吃瓜网� fascination with musical personalities and the celestial order. Deeply influenced by Duke Ellington91吃瓜网 Black, Brown & Beige, the suite merges classical form with the soul and swing of jazz.

For Diehl, one of today91吃瓜网 foremost jazz pianists, bringing this piece to audiences has been a personal mission. His interpretations have been praised for their intelligence, lyricism and authenticity.

91吃瓜网淭his will be Aaron91吃瓜网 first time performing the work with a collegiate orchestra,91吃瓜网� said Wolynec. 91吃瓜网淲e91吃瓜网檙e honored that he chose to share this music with our students. All the rehearsals with Aaron and his trio will happen in the week leading up to the concert91吃瓜网攊t91吃瓜网 an incredible opportunity for our musicians to learn directly from one of the world91吃瓜网 great artists.91吃瓜网� 

Wolynec added, 91吃瓜网淢ary Lou Williams91吃瓜网� story reminds us how much American music owes to her vision. She was not only a teacher but a formidable pianist and composer. I just know our audience is going to love it.91吃瓜网�

The second half of Stars features Mozart91吃瓜网 Symphony No. 41 in C Major, K. 551, Jupiter. Written in the summer of 178891吃瓜网攁longside his two final symphonies91吃瓜网�Jupiter was not commissioned or intended for a particular concert.

91吃瓜网淚t was as if Mozart was creating music for the future,91吃瓜网� said Wolynec. 

The symphony91吃瓜网 thunderous opening inspired its nickname, invoking the Roman god of lightning and majesty. 91吃瓜网淭hose opening notes conjure the image of Jupiter himself,91吃瓜网� Wolynec explained. 91吃瓜网淵et the work also contains music of tenderness, grace and wit. Mozart develops these contrasting ideas into one of the most perfect examples of balance and beauty ever written.91吃瓜网�

Wolynec shares his deep affection for the second movement, a sublime slow section. 91吃瓜网淚n the 1979 film Manhattan, Woody Allen91吃瓜网 character lists the second movement of this symphony as one of the reasons life is worth living,91吃瓜网� he said. 91吃瓜网淲ho could disagree?91吃瓜网� 

The finale, with its astonishing five-voice counterpoint, stands among the crowning achievements of Western music. 91吃瓜网淲hether you follow every line or simply let it wash over you, it is brilliant,91吃瓜网� Wolynec said. 91吃瓜网淭ackling music like this with incredibly gifted students, many of whom are playing it for the first time, is a dream come true for me.91吃瓜网�

91吃瓜网淎fter years of dreaming about this collaboration, it feels truly special seeing it come to life here in Hattiesburg,91吃瓜网� Wolynec said. 91吃瓜网淚t91吃瓜网 a celebration of imagination, resilience and the transformative power of music.91吃瓜网�

Tickets are available at the 91吃瓜网 Ticket Office. Click or call 601.266.5418.

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