WS Chronicle

The Winston-Salem Symphony presents its next Classics Series concert entitled “Enchanted Waters” on Jan. 6 and 7. Music Director Michelle Merrill leads the pair of concerts featuring internationally renowned saxophonist Joe Lovano. Grammy-winning saxophonist, composer, and producer, Joe Lovano is celebrated for his fearless pursuit of artistic innovation. With a Grammy win for “52nd Street Themes” and 14 nominations, he has consistently dominated DownBeat Magazine’s Critics and Readers Polls, earning accolades as Tenor Saxophonist, Musician of the Year, and for Jazz Album of the Year.

The concerts will be held on Saturday, Jan. 6 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Jan. 7, at 3:00 p.m., at R.J. Reynolds Auditorium, 301 North Hawthorne Road. The program includes Claude Debussy’s “La mer,” Maurice Ravel’s “La valse,” and the local premiere of a co-commissioned work by Douglas Cuomo entitled “a raft, the sky, the wild sea.”

Claude Debussy’s ever-popular “La mer” sets the tone for the evening’s aquatic metaphor with its vivid and atmospheric portrayal of the ocean. Debussy’s admiration for the sea was so deeply felt that he noted it as “the thing in nature which best puts you in your place.” His use of rich orchestrations, unconventional scales, and subtle nuances create a sensory experience reminiscent of a constantly changing ocean. 

The concert then shifts to a co-commissioned saxophone concerto entitled “a raft, the sky, the wild sea” written by Douglas Cuomo. The work combines improvisation and gripping melodies to depict the difficult journey of those seeking refuge and hope on the open water. Cuomo conceived and composed this concerto for Grammy-winning jazz saxophonist Joe Lovano, who makes his debut performance with the Symphony. The London Philharmonic, the Fort Worth Symphony, and the Winston-Salem Symphony co-commissioned the concerto. This performance is the local premiere of the piece.  

“La valse” concludes the program with innovative harmonies and one of the largest orchestras you will see on stage this season. Maurice Ravel conceived the work as a tribute to the Viennese waltz tradition, yet it takes a daring departure from the form. The work begins with recognizable waltz themes before descending into a soundscape of tumult and chaos that transcends traditional boundaries. 

The Saturday evening performance includes a select number of seats for young professionals with a “pay what you will” pricing structure that starts at $15. The Sunday afternoon performance will include several music and water-themed pre-concert activities for youth and families beginning one hour before the concert; special youth and family tickets are available for this performance. 

Tickets start at $29 and can be purchased online at wssymphony.org or by calling the box office at 336-464-0145. 

The public has several opportunities to interact with Michelle Merrill and performers around the concert, including Music Lovers’ Luncheons and post-concert drinks at The Remedy Café & Bar. The luncheon is a fun and informative pre-concert event on Friday, Jan. 5, from 12 to 1:30 p.m. Attendees can learn about the weekend’s programming while enjoying a gourmet lunch. The Music Lovers’ Luncheon will include a discussion between Michelle Merrill, Joe Lovano, and Douglas Cuomo. Participants will gain insights into the music presented and learn more about the performers’ careers and background. Music Lovers’ Luncheons are $30 per person, and advanced registration is required. Visit wssymphony.org/luncheon for more information and to make a reservation. This season’s luncheons occur at Founders Restaurant in the historic Shaffner Inn located at 150 Marshall Street, SW, just south of Salem Parkway. 

Patrons are invited to mingle with Merrill, Lovano, Cuomo, and orchestra members immediately following the Saturday performance at The Remedy Café & Bar, 429 West End Boulevard.