Punta Gorda Symphony starts season Nov. 20

The Punta Gorda Symphony opens its 2022-2023 season with a shining example of Maestro Raffaele Ponti’s eclectic and artistic programming, which has continued to attract enthusiastic and diverse audiences.
On Nov. 20 at 7:30 p.m., the energy begins with Rossini’s Overture to La gazza ladra (The Thieving Magpie), a perennial highlight, featuring a startling opening snare drum just to make sure that everyone is awake! Note: for audiences participating in Maestro’s Behind the Notes class the Friday before the concert, Maestro will entertain everyone with stories of Rossini’s composition style.
Adding to the emotional drama is Elgar’s Elegy, written for traditional string orchestra, in honor of a member of the Worshipful Company of Musicians in London. It premiered at St. Paul’s Cathedral in 1914, and continues to be played in memory of members at the company’s annual evensong.
Four-movement orchestral suite Wood Notes by William Grant Still reflects the composer’s love of nature with his classic American style of rich textures and warm melodies. Premiering in 1948 with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, it has been recorded only once.
Finally, Brahms wrote his first symphony at the age of 43, after fourteen years of composing other orchestral styles and preparing himself to tackle the shadow of his idol Beethoven. The resulting Symphony No. 1 established a new path for the Romantic symphony.
Performances are held at the Charlotte Performing Arts Center, 701 Carmalita St., Punta Gorda. To purchase concert tickets or season subscriptions, visit www.pgsymphony.org. Subscriptions and single tickets to concerts are available by calling the office at 941-205-5996.