STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK
The Wood River Orchestra will perform one of Joseph Haydn’s greatest works at its fall concert on Sunday, Nov. 6.
The orchestra will perform Haydn’s Symphony No. 104, the final symphony he composed at 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 6, at the Wood River High School Performing Arts Theater on the Community Campus in Hailey.
“This symphony, to which the ‘London’ moniker is often attached, is considered one of Haydn’s greatest works,” said Conductor Brad Hershey. “He composed it during his second trip to London, and it premiered in the city on May 4, 1795.”
The free concert—the orchestra’s first since May—will also include Johannes Brahms’ “Variations on a Theme by Haydn” and the fourth movement of his first symphony.
“If you listen closely to the theme in the fourth movement, you may find your ear wanting to take you to the fourth movement of Beethoven's 9th symphony, ‘Ode to Joy,’” said Hershey, noting that the orchestra concluded last spring’s concert with an abridged version of Beethoven’s popular piece.
The Wood River Orchestra was founded in 2007 to enrich the lives of Wood River Valley residents by giving musicians a place to perform and by giving those who love listening to music a chance to see some great pieces performed live.
This fall the orchestra welcomed several new accomplished and experienced musicians alongside some novices, said Lynne Heidel, a violin player and the orchestra’s board president.
Heidel said the orchestra welcomes all ages and all abilities: “If you believe you are too good to play with us, join us and you will make us better. If you think you aren’t good enough, join us and we will make you better.”
The orchestra performs three main concerts each year, including the popular holiday concert at Christmas time. Members also play in smaller groups at community events in the valley.
To learn more or to make a donation, visit https://www.wrcorchestra.org.
DON’T FORGET to set your clock back to Mountain Standard Time if you plan to attend Sunday’s concert.