The KWU Symphony Orchestra will present a free concert featuring three iconic masterworks at 4 p.m. on March 2 in Sams Chapel on the Kansas Wesleyan University campus.
The concert will open with Jean Sibelius’ “Finlandia,” one of his most renowned pieces. “Composed as a political protest, ‘Finlandia’ represents Finnish nationalism and resistance against Russian oppression,” explained Dr. Leonardo Rosario, director of the orchestra and strings area at KWU. Dr. Rosario recently completed an inspiring conducting masterclass with the Berlin Sinfonietta in Berlin last November.
The second piece on the program will be Georges Bizet’s “Carmen” Suite No. 1, known for its vibrant Spanish rhythms and colors.
The final performance will return to Scandinavia with Edvard Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A Minor, featuring Dr. Gustavo do Carmo, the piano studies coordinator and collaborative pianist at Kansas Wesleyan. Dr. do Carmo is an accomplished soloist and chamber musician who frequently performs in the U.S. and Brazil. He also serves as the collaborative piano chair for the Kansas Music Teachers Association and is a nationally certified music teacher.
“Grieg’s concerto reflects his nationalistic spirit, seamlessly blending Norwegian folk influences with the grand traditions of Romantic concerto writing,” Dr. do Carmo said.
“This promises to be an exceptional concert,” said Michelle Dolan, KWU’s executive director of music. “Dr. do Carmo is always a brilliant pianist, and Dr. Rosario’s artistry has grown even further after his masterclass. Their collaboration is nothing short of virtuosic.”
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