Two of Ottorino Respighi’s most glorious, soaring sonic masterworks, “Roman Festivals” and “Pines of Rome,” will launch the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra’s 10th Anniversary season this Sunday, Sept. 16. The full, 90-piece orchestra is pulling out all the stops in this ambitious, not-to-be-missed concert at the VBHS Performing Arts Center.
These two marvelous pieces conjure fantastic images, distant sounds and ancient grandeur, and, together with Respighi’s “Fountains of Rome,” make up what became known as “The Roman Trilogy.” According to Brittanica.com, Respighi was drawn to the sensual, decadent climate of the Rome depicted by the poet Gabriele D’Annunzio, and wrote big, colorful, brash works about his beloved city. In his suite, “Pini di Roma”/“Pines of Rome”(1923-24), a breathtaking ode to nature and the iconic landscapes of the Eternal City, Respighi “sought to convey the subtlety and color of the poet’s imagination.”
It is the Italian composer’s tribute to scenes around his country’s capital, some contemporary and some recalling the glory of the Roman Empire, and has become Respighi’s most frequently performed work. Also on the concert program is a one-movement concerto for English Horn by Kenneth Fuchs, “Eventide,” performed by the orchestra’s English horn principal player Kristin Naigus. Inspiration for this pastoral piece came from spirituals such as “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot.” Time: 7 p.m. General admission: $25, 18 and under: free. 855-252-7276.
When is a pot not a pot? Often, when it resides at the Flametree Gallery, where you will usually discover one-of-a-kind clay pieces from the hands, wheels, kilns and imaginations of area potters. The current exhibition, now through Sept. 30, is entitled “Fun,” and the pieces you’ll find, created by both resident and guest artists, are variously described as wacky, whimsical, weird, funky. Flametree is one of several galleries in downtown Vero’s 14th Avenue art district, a pleasant place to spend a bit of time, stroll, grab a bite, poke about in the shops and, of course, enjoy the art. 772-202-2810.
What’s cookin’ on the Sand Bar at Capt. Hiram’s this week? This Friday, Sept. 14, at 7:30 p.m., Kings County, out of Orlando, will kick up the sand with high-energy party rock and alternative/modern. Saturday at 3:30 p.m., Jeff Marquis, a one-man band, takes your faves and gives them a reggae twist. At 7:30 p.m. Lua Pearl takes the stage: four guys and a gal out of Palm Bay, playing top-of-the-charts covers – pop, rock, country, blues – and even jazz. On Monday, Sept. 17, guitar man and vocalist Kevin McCullers plays classic and contemporary country rock starting at 6 p.m. Look for singer/songwriter Alex Rodriguez on Wednesday at 6 p.m., easing you through Hump Day with soft rock and soul. Friday the 21st, get ready for Iris, a top 40 rock and pop country duo from Melbourne. A 7:30 p.m. it’s Hypersona, a “full throttle rock band” who promises no style is off limits – if you can think of it, they can play it.
