Our Appreciation to Brent Gilstrap for MSO photos |
For years, Mariposa Symphony Orchestra Founder and Conductor Les Marsden wanted to offer the MSO's annual "Independence Day Spectacular!" Concert outdoors because a festive spectacle shouldn't be confined. And so this one-night-only annual celebration of America's 232nd birthday will be held in the Mariposa Amphitheatre in Mariposa County Park on Saturday, July 5 at 7:00 PM. Under the stars. |
|
 |
Originally a virtuosic piano solo written by Gottschalk for his own Civil War-era recitals, "Union" was dedicated to Union Civil War General George McClellan and the piece features Gottschalk's own take on Yankee Doodle, Hail Columbia and of course: the Star-Spangled Banner. Marsden describes his orchestration of this 10-minute piece as massively containing "everything - including the kitchen sink, stove and pantry!" It's a whole new orchestral, symphonic patriotic celebration, as premiered by your own MSO.
This year's concert will include a nod across the pond to Great Britain as we celebrate our own nation's roots, with a whole new 'spectacular' aspect, according Marsden. The MSO will celebrate our independence from the mother country from which our America was born by tackling the Pomp and Circumstance of England: literally. Marsden has programmed all five truly spectacular "Pomp and Circumstance" Marches of Sir Edward Elgar - music which stands the potential of truly raising the Amphitheatre's roof. Elgar's five marches were written over the span of thirty years during Edwardian England from 1901 to 1931 and listeners will immediately recognize the trio section of March #1: it's become THE graduation processional music for American schools, from elementary through University level. So much so that many feel it to be our very own music, but nothing truly typifies the late colonial British Empire more than the sound of these great, spectacular marches. While the first march will immediately be recognized by listeners, Marsden - and the musicians of the MSO - are all eager to share all the rest of these marches, all equally wonderful - but each individualistic and distinct on its own. This is truly a great treat for our listeners: Elgar, near the end of his life decided that the marches should not be heard isolated apart from each other, but as the MSO will play them for you: as a suite, in order of composition. Truly reflecting John Adams' desire that America's birthdays should annually be celebrated 'with pageant and pomp and parade.' When it comes to pomp, few have ever outdone Elgar. The concert will ALSO include yet another little-known Elgar spectacle: the 'March of the Mogul Emperors' from his 'Crown of India' Suite. Another roof-blowout from the twilight era of the colonial Great Britain; another amazing orchestral display of musical fireworks for Mariposa.
And if that's not enough: this July 5th outdoor concert will ALSO include the world premiere performances of the music of Mariposa County's very own "Young Master Composers" of 2008. There were approximately 20 entries this year (most in the 8 - 11-year-old category) from all over Mariposa County, the largest number since inception of the contest four years ago. The names of this year's winners were announced at the MSO's April 3rd and 4th concerts in Mariposa and Merced and the works to be premiered on July 5th will include "Mariposa Breeze" by eight-year-old Analise Wall, "Mustang Valley Sonatina", by nine-year-old Grace Cassady, "Peasant Village" by 14-year-old Cecilia Ojcius, "Okamari Musicbox" by 14-year-old Isaac Decker and "Waltz of the Horses" by 17-year-old Sarah Hebern. Sarah Hebern orchestrated her own piece and Marsden will score the remaining works for full symphony orchestra. Each young winner will also be presented with a $50 cash award at the July 5th concert. The MSO and Mariposa County Arts Council, Inc's annual "Young Master Composer Celebration" contest is held in conjunction with Marsden's annual visits to each and every school campus in Mariposa County, where he presents programs on 'serious' art music in a not-so-serious manner intended to pique the interest and curiosity of young Mariposans who might otherwise not be exposed to the world's greatest music.
Bring a cushion or a blanket for park seating at the Mariposa Amphitheatre at Mariposa Park - 4998 County Park Road. Tickets are $6 adult and $4 for students, and are also available at the Mariposa County Visitors Center.
Music and Mariposa? Ahhhhh, Paradise!!!
Mariposa Symphony Orchestra GuildAnd don't forget: the Mariposa Symphony Orchestra Guild now offers a free concert preview two weeks before our regular concerts. Maestro Marsden will discuss and play excerpts from the music for the upcoming concert and also be happy to answer your questions. For further information about the MSO Guild or Concert Previews, please contact Mariposa Symphony Orchestra Guild President Marilyn Saunders at (209) 742-5134 or via email mwsaunders@earthlink.net. |
Conductor
Les Marsden – a peek beyond the wand
As Actor - In a lengthy career as a Los Angeles- and Manhattan-based actor which was ended only by accident-caused disability, he starred on stage in well over 3,000 performances in theatres across the U.S., Canada and the United Kingdom including London's West End and Scotland's Edinburgh Festival. Roles ran the gamut from the classics to musical comedy and include Lopakhin in Chekov's The Cherry Orchard, Peter Poll in James Kirkwood's final play Stage Stuck to Touchstone in Shakespeare's As You Like It and even as all the Marx Brothers in various Marx revivals and original works. Other favorite roles included Max Prince in Neil Simon's Laughter on the 23rd Floor, Ali Hakim in Oklahoma! (five separate productions,) Jimmy Deegan in the celebrated (and first-ever) revival of Cole Porter's 1930 The New Yorkers in Manhattan's historic Town Hall and countless others. Nominated for the world's most prestigious acting honor, Great Britain's Laurence Olivier Award (for Comedy Performance of the Year) and many more citations including the London Critics' Award, the Carbonell, Scotland's Fringe First Award, etc. Veteran of innumerable TV commercials seen nationally and internationally and TV series such as General Hospital, Mel Brooks' The Nutt House, the Bob Newhart Show and Al Franken's Lateline. Appeared in films from Robert Redford's Quiz Show to The Siege with Bruce Willis, Denzel Washington and Annette Bening. Has worked with or directed Albert Finney, Vanessa Redgrave, Jeremy Irons, Burt Reynolds, Harvey Korman, Charles Nelson Reilly, Matthew Broderick and many more. As Playwright - His A Night at Harpo's is the only biographic show ever allowed by Harpo's widow and children and was written with their full cooperation. Mr. Marsden performed his award-winning one-man show extensively around the world; likewise his interpretations of Groucho, Harpo and Chico Marx in various productions was endorsed by the elderly Groucho Marx himself. Union affiliations: Actors' Equity, the Screen Actors' Guild, AFTRA, the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers, etc.
As Musician - classically trained on many instruments including piano (and all keyboards,) trumpet (and most all brass,) concert grand harp and others. Composed/conducted many symphonic and chamber works from early teens beginning with his Symphony #1 at age 13; most recently premiered his Mariposa Festival Overture at the inaugural concert of the Mariposa Symphony Orchestra, which he founded in 2002 and serves as Music Director and Conductor. Has also composed lighter works including the score and lyrics for the successful musical comedy The Telethon Fool. Member of the Conductor's Guild.