Get ‘symphony fix’ with FW Phil

For the first time in 11 years we had to cancel a Fountain Park Summer Music Series concert.  There have been a few we moved indoors, but never canceled!  Unfortunately, it was our biggest concert of the summer, too, considering the number of performers involved.  You would have enjoyed the program because of its diversity and variety of music.  Now we wait until next year.

But wait!  If you are a connoisseur of fine music, you don’t have to wait to hear first class symphonic music from a superb orchestra in Van Wert. In less than two weeks, on Saturday, July 14, the Fort Wayne Philharmonic Orchestra will be performing a gigantic work of symphonic music at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center: Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony.

Ironically, I am leaving for San Francisco this week to visit my daughter and one of the things we wanted to do was to attend an outdoor concert of the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra under renowned conductor Michael Tilson Thomas.  Guess what they were performing?  Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony.  There must have been a fire sale on that symphony this summer!  When we found out the details, that it was a 3 p.m. concert and that you should arrive by 9 a.m. to assure a seat among the million in attendance, we decided to take a cruise in the bay.

My point is that this Symphony No. 9 is such a hugely popular piece of music that I think everyone should experience it.  Of course, one has to wait until the fourth and final movement to finally hear the “Ode to Joy” so many recognize, but there are many other themes easily recognized once you hear them.  The four vocal soloists and large chorus are joined by the full orchestra to create a conclusion to the symphony you just have to experience.

We are so fortunate to have the Fort Wayne Phil bring this masterpiece to Van Wert with the full compilation of instrumentation, soloists and chorus.  I hope you can plan to attend and experience what I have been talking about.  Tickets are on sale at the box office, on-line and at the door at $20 for adults and just $10 for students.  The concert begins at 7:30 p.m.

We take a week off in Fountain Park and then return the following week on July 13 when we welcome home two of our native sons, Mel Deal and “Sonny Boy” Terry Jerome.  Their lives after leaving Van Wert took them to the very pinnacles of music entertainment- Mel in Nashville and Terry in Houston.  Although they claim these areas as home now, they have traveled and performed all over the country.  Van Wert is still their home and we want to welcome them back with a huge crowd and let them know that home is where the heart still is.

They will perform Blues, Jazz, Country and probably much more.  They are bringing friends in the music business and it will be a wonderful homecoming for them in Fountain Park- especially if we have cooperative weather!

Enjoy the Fourth and then come and enjoy the “Ninth” on the 14th!

FINÉ.