UMF New Commons brings world-class orchestra

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Jinwook Park

FARMINGTON – A vibrant performance by the world-class Philharmonia Boston Orchestra will top off University of Maine at Farmington’s year-long New Commons presentations on the UMF campus. The acclaimed 32-piece professional orchestra, conducted by Jinwook Park, will perform the entirety of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6 “Pastoral” and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5.

The concert will take place Saturday, April 13, 2019, at 7 p.m., in Nordica Auditorium in UMF Merrill Hall. Celebrated pianist and UMF Professor Steven Pane will provide an introductory lecture prior to the performance. The event is free and open to the public.

While the 5th Symphony has Beethoven undertaking a psychological struggle, from the famous fate motive at the opening to the joy of the final movement, the 6th is external—essentially creating the feelings of being outdoors in the countryside. Completed in 1808, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6—the “Pastoral Symphony, or Recollections of Country Life”—is one of only two he intentionally named. It stands apart with its descriptive movement titles that were made public to the audience before its premiere.

Steven Pane

Founded in 2013, the Philharmonia Boston Orchestra is composed of professional musicians from the Greater Boston area. By working hand in hand with young local musicians, they strive to create an environment that fosters the professional development of bright rising talents.

Conductor and violinist Jinwook Park, a native of South Korea, has taught and conducted in Boston and has performed across the United States and South Korea. He is also conductor of the Colby College orchestra. He has also been the director of groups such as the Hwaum Boston Chamber Orchestra, the Boston Korean Chorus, and the Haffner Sinfonietta, which he founded. He earned his Master’s at the Boston Conservatory and his Doctorate at Boston University.

The New Commons Project is a public humanities initiative of the University of Maine at Farmington, Maine’s public liberal arts college, in partnership with the Maine Humanities Council. Members of the Maine community submit suggestions for the works of art, literature and ideas included in the New Commons. The cultural commons offers a rich sampling of unique events, public discussions, talks and community engagement projects focused on the selected submitted work.

New Commons Events Featuring Beethoven’s “Pastoral”

Steven Pane, Beethoven Symphony No. 6 “Pastoral” (Franz Liszt piano transcription)
Pane performs Franz Liszt’s 1838 piano transcription of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6 “Pastoral.” Pane has performed at universities and in major halls throughout the country including the Academy of Music in Philadelphia, Aaron Davis Hall in New York City, Davies Hall in San Francisco, and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Wednesday, April 10, 11:45 a.m., at Nordica Auditorium in UMF Merrill Hall
Thursday, April 11, 6 p.m., at Nordica Auditorium in UMF Merrill Hall

Philharmonia Boston Orchestra conducted by Jinwook Park, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6 “Pastoral” and Symphony No. 5
The 32-piece Philharmonia Boston Orchestra (conducted by Jinwook Park) visits Farmington to perform the entirety of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6 “Pastoral,” as well as Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5. Dr. Steven Pane (Professor of Music at UMF) will provide an introductory lecture.
Saturday, April 13, 7 p.m., at Nordica Auditorium in UMF Merrill Hall

The New Commons Film Series: In Search of Beethoven
Enter the world and creative processes of Ludwig van Beethoven through this comprehensive 2009 documentary directed by Phil Grabsky. This film follows Beethoven through his notable compositions (and features dozens of performances by top musicians) while exploring the historical and social context in which they were created.
Thursday, April 18, 7 p.m., UMF Emery Community Arts Center

Roundtable on the Pastoral with Dan Beachy-Quick, Steven Pane and Kristen Case
Join Dan Beachy-Quick (Professor of English at Colorado State University), Steven Pane and Kristen Case, associate professor English at UMF, for an examination of the pastoral, an artistic mode utilized in Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6 “Pastoral” that focuses on the representation of an idealized rural environment.
Friday, April 19, 11:45 a.m., UMF Emery Community Arts Center

Steven Pane, Beethoven Symphony No. 6 “Pastoral” (Franz Liszt piano transcription)
Pane performs Franz Liszt’s 1838 piano transcription of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6 “Pastoral”
Monday, April 22, 12:30 p.m. University of Maine at Fort Kent

UMF’s New Commons is made possible by a grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Events are free and open to the public.

To learn more about the New Commons Project, or to submit a nomination for the next round of selections to be announced in 2019, visit the website at: https://newcommonsproject.org/

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1 Comment

  1. What a finale for the wonderful year long New Commons Project! UMF continues to bring music, art, and culture to Western Maine-free and open to the public!

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