Ft. Smith Symphony reaches Peak Of Perfection

The Ft. Smith Symphony gives concertgoers the opportunity to hear the contrasting styles of three brilliant composers in top form on the same program at its sixth concert of the season – Peak of Perfection. The May 14 concert presents the world premiere of composer Brice Johnson’s Primal Silhouettes, a work commissioned by the Ft. Smith Symphony that contrasts the modern voice with symphonic warhorses from the nineteenth century.

Following Primal Silhouettes is Tchaikovsky’s First Piano Concerto featuring pianist Yun-Chin Zhou. It is considered by many to be the perfect Romantic era concerto. The concluding work of the program, Brahms’ First Symphony is thought of as the first perfect Romantic era symphony.

The program continues the theme of the symphony’s current season. John Jeter, music director for the symphony, quoted in an article in Fort Smith’s Times Record, said, “’The theme of the season is contrast, and in some respects, there’s more variety going on from concert to concert than before,’ he said.

Brice L. Johnson found music at a young age. Inspired by its potential for creative expression, Johnson chose to pursue music as his vocation and attended Indiana Wesleyan University in 2007 where he studied Music Composition and Percussion Performance.

In 2011, he attended Butler University in pursuit of his Masters in Composition. He is now attending Arizona State University in pursuit of his Doctorate of Musical Arts in Composition. Brice has received multiple commissions for new works, including the commission for Primal Silhouettes from the Fort Smith Symphony Orchestra.

The second piece in the program is Tchaikovsky’s First Piano Concerto featuring pianist Yun-Chin Zhou. A native of Shenyang, China, pianist Zhou, whose given name means pure melody, has been hailed as a “dashing virtuoso … complete with dazzling finger work and shapely phrasing” (Cleveland Plain Dealer).

Zhou began his piano studies at the age of seven. From the age of 19, he studied at the Curtis Institute of Music, and continues his studies at the Juilliard School. He has appeared as soloist with orchestras throughout China, including the China National Symphony Orchestra in Beijing.

The concluding work of the program, considered as the first perfect Romantic era symphony, Brahms’ First Symphony.

The Ft. Smith Symphony Orchestra’s Peak of Perfection concert is May 14, at 7:30 p.m. at the ArcBest Corporation Performing Arts Center, 55 S. 7th St., in Fort Smith, AR. Tickets are $38 to $43, with student tickets $15 - $20, and are available by phone at (479) 452-7575. 

The Fort Smith Symphony includes over 100 professional musicians traveling from Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Texas, Kansas, Tennessee and New York. The orchestra consistently receives regional, national, and international recognition for its artistic achievements and its award-winning educational programs.

The Gayly – May 10, 2016 @ 5:10 p.m.