Chamber Orchestra of Barrington April 24 concert opens with Prokofiev symphony

The Chamber Orchestra of Barrington at St. John’s, led by Music Director Edward Markward, will present the fourth concert of its fifth season on Sunday, April 24, at 3 p.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 191 County Road, Barrington.

The concert opens with Prokofiev’s, Symphony No. 1 in D Major.  Written in a classical format, it evokes Mozart’s playfulness and humor but uses modern harmonies, rhythms and orchestral colors.  With a Mozartian impish sense of humor, impeccable craftsmanship and charming melodies, this symphony has remained one of the composer’s most popular works.  Sibelius’, Valse triste op. 44, No. 1 (Sad Waltz), originally composed for a 1903 production of the play “Kuolema” (Death), by Arvid Jarnefelt, depicts a son watching his sick mother as she sleeps and dreams of dancing a waltz at a ball.  The dancing becomes quite intense with wild, mad rhythms. Once the gaiety reaches a peak, the music dies away and the mother succumbs to death.  Joseph Haydn’s brilliant Concerto in C Major for Cello and Orchestra, Hob. VIIb:1 was composed while the composer was working at the Esterhazy palace, (between 1761 and 1765) and reflects its Baroque roots.  With enchanting melodies and harmonies, this work illustrates the full range of the cello and is one of the great works in the history of music.

Cellist Theodore Mook is a versatile performer, comfortable in classical, historical, and commercial styles. Mook has performed at the Library of Congress, the American Academy in Rome, the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Four Seasons Arts (San Francisco) and is a veteran of several Bang on a Can Marathons, the New England Bach Festival in Marlboro, Vermont, and the Bern Biennale. His extensive discography spans over one hundred works, radiating from Boccherini to John Cage and JZ.

Comprised of professional, community and student musicians from southern New England, the Chamber Orchestra of Barrington at St. John’s was created to showcase the finest quality music in the chamber orchestra repertoire.  The orchestra is hosted by St. John’s Episcopal Church and its Director of Music, Jacob Stott.

COBSJ will adhere to all CDC and RI Department of Health regulations and recommendations for safely convening a concert during the Covid-19 pandemic.  All audience members will be required to wear masks and show proof of being fully vaccinated including a booster shot, if eligible.