A New Season With ProMusica Chamber Orchestra

October is always exciting in the music world.  New seasons unfold, Autumn colors begin to pop out, and music is in the air. ProMusica Chamber Orchestra welcomed cellist Zuill Bailey to the stage to open their 32nd season with the 1st Cello Concerto by Dmitri Shostakovich. This is a piece of music which is best enjoyed live, as Mr. Bailey seemed to be having a conversation with each audience member, speaking to them through his magnificent instrument. He made eye contact throughout the concerto, commenting afterward that he could read the audiences reactions on their faces as the music changed moods. Zuill's appearance is underwritten by Deborah M. Anderson in memory of Jon Mac Anderson, who was one of the founding board members of ProMusica.  Music Director Timothy Russell told me that it was Jon Mac Anderson's firm belief that if you are not moving forward, you're moving backwards. This concert was a perfect example of that philosophy as ProMusica played the Shostakovich Concerto, Prokofiev's Classical Symphony, and Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition in a brand new arrangement by Clarice Assad. Timothy Russell and I spoke about the opening-night performance  and, specifically, about cellist Zuill Bailey's return to the Southern Theatre stage. [powerpress url="http://www.wosu.org/blogs/classical/wp-content/uploads/TimothyZuill.mp3"] Timothy Russell on Zuill Bailey [powerpress url="http://www.wosu.org/blogs/classical/wp-content/uploads/Zuillscello1.mp3"] Zuill Bailey's Cello [powerpress url="http://www.wosu.org/blogs/classical/wp-content/uploads/Mussorgsky.mp3"] Clarice Assad's arrangement of Pictures at an Exhibition Old favorites, exciting young performers, new music, and new arrangements...they all await you this season with ProMusica Chamber Orchestra. -- Boyce Lancaster