Songs for the common man

Saturday, October 18, 2008 11:47 PM EDT

Nate Robson / The Citizen
Local residents won't have to travel to Europe to experience Austria when the Auburn Chamber Orchestra performs its “An American in Vienna” concert.

The orchestra's musical director, Ubaldo Valli, said the concert promised to be a fun and cheap way to enjoy classical music from famous American composers with foreign pieces added for a contrasting taste, while it's performed by local musicians.

“The orchestra has the feeling of home baked bread,” Valli said. “You can go to a fancy restaurant and get a fancy meal, that's always nice, but there is always something wonderful about homemade bread fresh out of the oven, and that's what we are. You will be watching your own friends and family as they perform here.”

While the concert was inspired by George Gershwin's “An American in Paris,” Valli said the music was adapted to fit the orchestra's size and capabilities, and that it would even poke fun at the upcoming election.

“We have a piece by George Gershwin and his brother Ira, which is a satyr on elections,” Vallie said. “The music will take not political sides, its just a platform to have some wacky fun.”

By the intermission, the music promised to transition from an American to a Vienna theme by featuring Franz Haydn's Symphony No. 97.

Because Haydn's music was popular with Europeans of all ages and social classes during the 1700s, Valli said he believed it would remain popular with people today.

“Haydn was sort of a pop star back then,” Valli said. “People loved him and they flocked to listen to him. He wrote his stuff for a wide audience, not just a select few.”

Marion Fritz, who plays the violin and is on the orchestra's board, said the orchestra had grown into a community group because its range of music was able to attract residents of all ages.

“These people are all from the community and they are not getting paid, they are just volunteering,” Fritz said. “Their music is good for older people and for younger people. And while the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra has paid professionals, we have doctors, students, teachers and other people who are volunteering their time to give something to the community, and that makes them special.”

Valli said the music selection would ensure that people got to try something new while still enjoying a fun and casual atmosphere.

“I'm not a formal guy, I like to talk to the audience,” Valli said. “This will not be a stuffy event for stuffy people. I have been to several orchestra concerts that were similar to going to a religious event. Every once in a while that is fine, but usually you want to have a fun, casual atmosphere. So don't expect me to be stuffy, because I'm not, and neither is the orchestra.”

Nate Robson

253-5311 ext. 248

nathan.robson@lee.net

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