Strung Out

Expect the classical sounds of "Brahms, Bruch and Beethoven" to finish the Masterworks IV concert series on a figurative, if not literal, high note Saturday evening.

The Midland-Odessa Symphony and Chorale closes out the Masterworks season with work from three well-known composers while featuring a  gem of aguest soloist: Houston Symphony Concertmaster Angela Fuller.

The 30-year-old violinist will perform Max Bruch's "Violin Concerto No. 1 in G Minor," which escalates in technical difficulty and excitement through the three movements.

"It's very beautiful - the first movement is really meant to be an introductory to the concerto ... the last movement is just very festive and exciting," she said. "Overall, musically, it's a very challenging piece."

Fuller said she grew up in a musical home where, as a child, she couldn't wait to mimic her mother's form on the stringed instrument. Her first violin was a birthday gift at the age of 3, and she worked hard to excel - despite the temptation to quit in junior high.

"(My parents) always said, ‘You can quit when you're 18,' so I stuck with it," she said. "I can't imagine my life without it, not at all."
Fuller studied at the University of Minnesota and the Cleveland Institute of Music, playing first violin in the Minnesota Orchestra before she filled the position of Houston's concertmaster in 2006."It hasn't been without challenge," she said. "I'm currently the youngest concertmaster of a major orchestra."

Word of Fuller's talent and reputation filled the ears of MOSC Music Director Gary Lewis, who will conduct the local symphony performance. 

"Several people I know speak very highly of her," he said. "The Houston Symphony is a significant, major orchestra ... she's made quite an accomplishment."

John Madura, MOSC concertmaster, said he performed with Fuller at the University of Minnesota and looks forward to the reunion and accompanying her.

"It's going to be a thrill to work with Angela again," he said. "She's an amazing musician; she was always really ahead of everyone around her."

Along with the Bruch Concerto, the Masterworks performance will include the "Academic Festival Overture" by Johannes Brahms and Beethoven's "Symphony No. 7."

Brahms is Madura's favorite of the trio, but he said he's also looking forward to playing the "Symphony No. 7."

"It's such a monster piece, and it's fun to play," he said. "Really, all three composers are masters of their trade.

"The audience will love it all," he said.

Lewis, who takes a new academic position this fall as the University of Colorado director of orchestras, said he'll continue working with MOSC and looks forward to Saturday's finish of a great season.

"As a musician, it doesn't get any better than Brahms and Beethoven," he said. "It's really fun music and some of the greatest work ever written."

About Angela Fuller
>> The 30-year-old violinist is currently the youngest concertmaster of a major orchestra in the United States
>> She grew up in a musical family.
>> She received her first violin as a birthday present at age 3.
>> She studied at the University of Minnesota and the Cleveland Institute of Music.

 WANT TO GO?
>>‘Masterwork IV: Brahms, Bruch and Beethoven' is scheduled at 7 p.m. Saturday at Mid-Cities Community Church, 8700 W. Highway 191.
>> The concert's guest artist will be Angela Fuller, concertmaster of the Houston Symphony.
>> Tickets are $17 for general admission with discounts available for seniors and students. Music students get in free.
>> Call 563-0921.