We are excited for our first performance of the season with the UTPB Philharmonic Orchestra—Brandenburg and Beyond!

The program includes the energy and brilliance of J.S. Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G Major, BWV 1048. Written for three violins, three violas, three cellos, and continuo, this Baroque masterpiece treats every section as both ensemble and soloist. Musical ideas are constantly passed between the players, creating an exciting conversation filled with rhythmic drive, virtuosity, and the unmistakable brilliance of Bach.

We will also perform John Williams’ beautiful Air and Simple Gifts, originally composed for the 2009 Presidential Inauguration. Williams weaves the beloved Shaker melody Simple Gifts into music filled with warmth, lyricism, and unmistakable cinematic beauty—a wonderful opportunity for our musicians to explore expressive playing, color, and musical storytelling.

Sandwiched between these two wonderful works are Johan Svendsen’s Two Swedish Folk-Melodies, Op. 27—Allt under himmelens fäste and Du gamla, du friska, du fjellhöge Nord. These beautiful Romantic works for strings bring warmth and contrast to the program through their expressive Scandinavian folk melodies.

From Bach to Svendsen to John Williams, Brandenburg and Beyond celebrates the incredible versatility and expressive power of the string orchestra.

We cannot wait to share the stage and begin another exciting season of music with the UTPB Philharmonic Orchestra!

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