While the orchestra charts its next move in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, Maestro Ransom Wilson and members of the Redlands Symphony are presenting a virtual collection of masterpieces by some of the world’s great composers using a a combination of social media and the organization’s website.
“We’ve been thinking about how we can continue to engage people in beautiful music while political leaders and scientists figure out how to get us through this horrible situation,” Wilson explained, “And we came up with a series of short but lovely little concerts that our Redlands Symphony musicians could perform from the safety of their living rooms, while I direct from my home in Connecticut.” The result is a series of classical music moments that are now available and can be watched at they can be watched at: https://www.redlandssymphony.com/articles-by-category/virtual-performances or on our Facebook page aat https://www.facebook.com/watch/redlandssymphony/257766842003088/.
J.S. Bach’s Suite No. 1 in G Minor for strings, is the first program.
While the original piece was written for violin, Wilson has prepared a new arrangement which shares the music between 6 different string instruments. “This was often done during this period,” Wilson says, “And I think Bach would have been pleased to hear his music played by these different instruments with such beauty and passion.”
Something for Young Music Lovers Too
To make sure that young music lovers also have something to enjoy, the Symphony is including a series of concert programs, games and puzzles with a music twist on its website at https://www.redlandssymphony.com/at-home-music-activities.
“We know that many young people have time on their hands right now,” said Paul Ideker, the Redlands Symphony’s President & CEO, “And we’d like to see some of that time include a connection to great music. We’ll be changing these periodically so keep tuned to the website and share the fun with your kids.”
The first program for kids is a performance of Ravel’s Mother Goose Suite by the Frankfurt Radio Symphony, with Julian Kverti conducting.
The Redlands Symphony’s website is located at www.redlandssymphony.com. For information about the Redlands Symphony you can also call (909) 587-5565.