The Missouri Symphony Orchestra is gearing up for the magic of summer.
Later this month, theaters in Columbia will open the big doors at the Missouri Theater for a “Reimagined Summer Festival Experience,” which builds on the legacy of hot summer nights tradition while expressing its ideals in new ways.
The Firefly Music Festival is the first of its kind and the first to be led by Music Director Wilbur Lynn, combining classic gems, brand new productions and iconic pop into one dynamic promise.
Many outstanding musicians bring brilliance to Firefly. At its heart, of course, is Lynn and his talented orchestra. Before the festival begins, meet his musicians, an exciting guest who will create a summer to remember with the Missouri Symphony Orchestra.
Michael Stephen Brown
Composer and pianist Michael Stephen Brown quickly found his musical lineage. On his website, Brown says he fell in love with Raffi at age two, Billy Joel at age three, and wished to “be the reincarnation of Mozart” at age four. Brown’s career continues to pave the way for his discovery and belonging. He has performed frequently at Lincoln Center, played solo with symphonies in Seattle, Grand Rapids, and Wichita, and has expressed his vision on earphones and hi-fi on numerous albums to his credit.
BBC Music Magazine’s David Neath critiqued his 2021 album Noctuels, calling Brown’s “magical concept and execution” and the music’s “brightness and quietest dynamics”. admired his ability. Brown will perform the music of Edward McDowell at the Schumann Connection concert, which closes on July 15th.
Qing Shan Chan
From films and indie productions such as Sonic the Hedgehog 2 to performances by the National Taiwan Symphony Orchestra, composer Ching-Shan Chan embodies the sounds of the modern world. “‘Music must tell a story’ is a principle I have always adhered to in all my musical work,” she said in a Q&A with the Alliance of Women Film Composers, whose storyteller’s vision said it extends to the various means she creates and the music corner. inhabited.
Chan’s composition “Fanfare CoMo” will premiere at the concert of the same name on June 24th.
Emi Kagawa
Pianist Kagawa mediates a beautiful unity between head and heart, invention and human grace. She has performed in some of New York City’s most resounding rooms and devoted herself to her chamber music through her Brooklyn Chamber Music tutoring at MANI. But more than that, Kagawa continues to fine-tune and apply her research on mindfulness and overall musician health.
Kagawa will perform Clara Schumann’s Piano Concerto A movement. During the “Clara: Inspiration and Legacy” program on June 30.
Matsuo Duo
synchronicity. That’s what married musicians Stephanie and Hiro Matsuo bring to their collaboration. She is the concertmaster of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and a respected chamber musician. He is a cellist who is an avid researcher of the Romantic repertoire. Together they are several co-directors of the ensemble His Concert: nova, and the duo’s performances reflect their idiosyncratic connection.
Mr. and Mrs. Matsuo will perform Brahms’ double concerto at the fanfare CoMo program on June 24th.
Gabriella Ortiz
Ortiz carries a proud and thoughtful musical legacy from his parents, members of Los Folkloristas, a Mexican folk ensemble that continues to inspire and elevate traditional music. Ortiz has earned the credibility and talent of musicians around the world as a composer who creates through excellent collaboration and urgent concern. He was nominated for a Latin Grammy Award. And celebrities such as conductor Gustavo Dudamel have praised Gabriela for her special ability to express our Latin identity.
The Missouri Symphony Orchestra will perform Ortiz’s “Clara” commissioned by the New York Philharmonic on June 30 at the “Clara: Inspiration and Legacy” program.
Hometown Heroes: Jazz Rucker and Simon Sparks
Colombian audiences understand how dynamic these two names and their talents, partly cultivated here, are. Sparks’ already stellar singing voice has been heard in bands such as Loose Her Loose and has been spotlighted in musical theater productions and more. Rucker is an important musical educator, participating in all kinds of choral and solo music, producing a haunting tone.
Rucker and Sparks perform at Missouri’s Finest America’s Best Concert on July 2nd.
Don’t forget Brahms and Schumann
The ghosts of 19th-century marvels Johannes Brahms, Robert Schumann and Clara Schumann live on today, enlivening their timeless musical performances around the world. This summer, the Missouri Symphony will be taking their time seriously, playing multiple concerts. Let’s delve deeper into their genius and enduring association with the orchestra and special guests.
The Firefly Music Festival runs from June 24th to July 15th. For more information on each concert, please visit https://themosy.org/firefly/.
Aarik Danielsen is the Tribune’s Feature and Cultural Editor. Call adanielsen@columbiatribune.com or 573-815-1731. Find him on Twitter @aarikdanielsen.
