Midland-Odessa Symphony & Chorale kicks off 2022 performances with “Friends of the Symphony” at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 5 at the Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center, a press release stated.
The event will feature Melissa Graham Hansen, former MOSC principal flute, and Vincent Pierce, MOSC principal harp performing Mozart’s “Concerto for Flute and Harp.” The piece, composed in 1778 Paris is unusual for its time because the harp was not yet considered a standard orchestral instrument. In fact, it was still under development and not yet in its current form. Mozart’s genius for melodic writing is evident in the lovely back and forth between flute and harp joined by the orchestra in a joyful finish.
Dr. Melissa Graham Hansen is the former principal flutist of the Midland-Odessa Symphony Orchestra and West Texas Winds. Known for her unique sound palette, she enjoys performing both orchestral and chamber music. She has served as a faculty member at the University of Texas Permian Basin and Odessa College as well as taught private lessons. Melissa received her Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Colorado Boulder, and currently pursues her passion for pedagogy, writing, and other independent and collaborative skills.
Vincent Pierce is principal harpist of the Midland-Odessa Symphony Orchestra. He is the former director of the harp program for ECISD, and also served as adjunct instructor of harp at UTPB and at Odessa College. In fall of 2021 he began working as harp facilitator for Round Rock ISD, where he teaches at Round Rock HS and Cedar Valley, Chisholm Trail, and Walsh middle schools. Vincent has performed in several countries, including throughout Asia and Europe. A native of El Paso, he holds a degree in music education and clarinet from Baylor University and Masters of Music degree in harp performance from UT Austin. He is past-president and a founding member of the West Texas Harp Society and currently serves as the South Central Regional Director and board member for the American Harp Society. Vincent performs actively throughout the state of Texas and is currently completing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree at UT Austin.
Rounding out the concert is a contemporary piece by acclaimed violinist and composer Jessie Montgomery titled “Strum” and the finale “Symphony No. 3” by Franz Schubert.
This performance is not to be missed! Tickets start at just $11 and can be purchased at MOSC. ORG or by calling 800-514-3849. Student tickets are $8 with a paying adult or valid college ID.
Patrons are also invited to experience Symphony SoundBites, a pre-concert dinner held before the performance in the Rea-Greathouse Recital Hall at the Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center. By purchasing a ticket to this tasty event, patrons will enjoy dining with friends as Maestro Gary Lewis provides an insider’s view of the evening’s program. Bring your friends and make new ones as you enhance your symphony experience! Seating is limited and based on a first-come-first-serve basis. Tickets may be purchased for $26 each by calling the Wagner Noël Box Office at 432-552-4437. Deadline to purchase SoundBites tickets is Jan. 28.
If you go
- What: Friends of the Symphony.
- When: 7:30 p.m., Feb. 5.
- Where: Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center.
