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Community Corner

East Metro Symphony Orchestra & Trinity Lutheran Church presents "Song of Praise"

The East Metro Symphony Orchestra (EMSO) is delighted to combine forces with the Trinity Lutheran Church Choir, Choral Director Carol Carver, and its soloists to close its 2013-2014 season with Felix Mendelssohn’s rarely-heard Song of Praise (Lobgesang) and his iconic Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64 on Sunday, May 4th at 3 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 115 4th St N, Stillwater, MN 55082.

Mendelssohn composed and premiered his Lobgesang in 1840, for the 400th anniversary celebration of the invention of printing. Even though it was published as his 2nd symphony, it was the 4th of his five symphonies and one can’t help but hear the influence of Beethoven’s remarkable choral-based Symphony No. 9.  The Lobgesang is also reminiscent of Mendelssohn’s earlier Resurrection Symphony, with use of liturgical-style trombones in key roles, biblical texts, references to Bach chorales, and intricate counterpoint. In its day, Lobgesang was a wildly popular work, while today it is seldom – if ever – performed. Its strong message of celebration and thanksgiving are a perfect harkening to the new spring season, the first collaboration between EMSO and the Trinity Lutheran Church Choir, and a stunning conclusion to EMSO’s 2013-2014 season.

EMSO is also pleased to once again collaborate with concertmaster Michal Sobieski, recently retired from the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, in a performance of one of the greatest violin concertos of all time, Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64. Michal is an extraordinary violinist and virtuoso, sharing his lifetime of musical knowledge with EMSO musicians and enthralling audiences with his passionate performances throughout the season.

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Admission to this spectacular event is free with free will donations accepted.  Following the performance an informal reception, with cookies, will provide opportunity to meet some of these talented amateur musicians.

EMSO is a community orchestra based in Woodbury, led by music director and conductor, Dr. Elizabeth Prielozny Barnes and concertmaster Michal Sobieski.  The orchestra performs five concerts per season in the Twin Cities east metropolitan area, in collaboration with local artists and organizations.  For more information go to www.emsorch.org or www.facebook.com/emsorch.

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