Inspired by Shakespeare's play, Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture is a beautiful and lush musical rendition of the tragic love story beloved by romantics.

Experience the world premiere of Kayak by UMD composition alum Erich Stem D.M.A. ’03. As part of a commitment to new work, the UMD Symphony Orchestra has commissioned this piece in partnership with UMD Lecturer Scott Christian as the percussion soloist. In addition to his role on the UMD School of Music faculty, Christian also serves as assistant principal timpanist and section percussionist with the National Symphony Orchestra and is an avid kayaker and nature enthusiast. “Kayak invites listeners to imagine a kayak run, such as the peaceful world of calm waters, exhilaration created by the occasional rough rapids, and moments of rest and relief when one hits the open water,” wrote Stem on the inspiration for his composition.

The concert will also include William Grant Still’s sweeping Serenade for Orchestra, which incorporates idioms of American folk music, and Ottorino Respighi’s tone poem Fountains of Rome, which paints the architectural landscape of four notable Roman fountains: Valle Giulia, Triton, Trevi and Villa Medici.

About the UMD Symphony Orchestra (UMSO)
Through its committed and polished performances under the baton of David Neely, UMSO is dedicated to the power of musical communication. In its repertoire, the orchestra explores the intersection between traditional symphonic masterworks and marginalized works from various eras, with many programs featuring composers of diverse backgrounds.

Program:
Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture
William Grant Still: Serenade for Orchestra
Erich Stem D.M.A. ’03: Kayak for Percussion and Orchestra (world premiere)
Ottorino Respighi: Fountains of Rome