The side-by-side concert features the newly formed Pinckney High School Orchestra, Pinckney Middle School Orchestra students and the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra. As part of this performance, the musicians of the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra and Pinckney School Orchestras will share stands on stage. The two orchestras, professionals and students, will perform a movement from the light-hearted Symphony No. 2, often called "Little Russian, by Piotr Ilyich Tchaikoskvy; the beloved Western favorite Hoe Down by the American composer Aaron Copland; and the Ashokan Farewell by Jay Ungar, a lilting Scottish waltz was used in the PBS series on the Civil War.
The Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra will also perform the final movement of Symphony No. 2, Op. 73, by Johannes Brahms. The final movement opens in a swirl of colors that contrasts with briefly with softer, singing moments before the movement drives to an energetic end.
This performance builds upon the first side-by-side concert that took place in March 2007 and upon years of collaboration between the Pinckney Community Schools and the A2SO.
Leading up to this performance, A2SO Music Director Arie Lipsky will conduct the Pinckney Middle and High School orchestras twice and will conduct a side-by-side rehearsal with A2SO musicians and the high school orchestra. The A2SO String Quartet performed for the students in October 2007 at a kickoff ice cream social attended by Maestro Lipsky, Pinckney Superintendent Dan Danosky, and Pinckney Orchestra Director Jeff Campbell. The Pinckney School Orchestras attended an A2SO dress rehearsal in the Fall 2007.
The Pinckney School Orchestra students have also been receiving group lessons in preparation for this concert as part of a grant received from the Southeastern Community Foundation in support of the side-by-side concert.
The Pinckney Elementary Schools are also very involved with the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra. Four of the schools are enrolled in the A2SO's Orchestra 101 program, which includes visits from the Brass, Wind, String and Percussion Ensembles, a visit from Maestro Lipsky and a field trip to the A2SO Youth Concert.
The Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra is passionately committed to leading and enriching the culture of Southeast Michigan. We attract, inspire and educate the most diverse audience possible, foster an appreciation for excellent music and regional talent and provide imaginative programming through community involvement. -- www.a2so.com
