Join the Rochester Symphony Orchestra (RSO), under the masterful direction of Maestro Zeljko Milicevic, for a delightful afternoon at the “Masterworks” concert on Sunday, March 16, 2025, 3:00 p.m., at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 620 Romeo Road, Rochester, Michigan. This exquisite performance features magnificent compositions from the heart of European classical music. 

The evening opens with the poignant “Suite from Dido and Aeneas,” a Baroque opera by the English composer Henry Purcell. This piece, crafted around 1688, tells a heart-wrenching tale of love and loss. Purcell’s theatrical brilliance shines through, making this work a timeless exploration of human emotion.

 Following this stirring piece, we delve into the masterful “Concerto for Two Violins in D Minor BWV 1043,” also known as the “Double Violin Concerto.” Composed by the revered German composer Johann Sebastian Bach around 1730, this late Baroque gem is celebrated for its intricate dialogue between the two violins, featuring Bach’s unparalleled genius and emotional depth. To highlight this renowned classical piece, The RSO proudly presents the illustrious talents of Melody Wootton and Sander Kostallari, two virtuosos whose backgrounds elevate the artistry of their performances.

Following Bach is “A Moorside Suite for String Orchestra,” a poignant composition by the eminent English composer Gustav Holst and was crafted in 1928 during the zenith of his creative journey. This superb piece, originally composed for brass band, embodies the folksong charm that Holst so masterfully infused into his works.

 The final pieces feature the exquisite compositions of Russian composer Anton Arensky and Sir Edward Elgar of England. Arensky's "Variations on a Theme by Tchaikovsky, Op. 35a," a heartfelt tribute penned in 1894, captures the essence of Tchaikovsky's legacy through its lush melodies and intricate arrangements for string orchestra. Complementing this is Elgar's "Introduction and Allegro for Strings, Op. 47," composed in 1905 for the London Symphony Orchestra. This masterpiece showcases the virtuosity of string players through its rich textures and complexity.

The afternoon performance of Masterworks promises to transport you to a realm of musical beauty and artistry, for just $30 for adults and a mere $5 for students. This event begins at 3:00 p.m., and we assure you, it is one that you will not want to miss. Secure your tickets today to witness this remarkable celebration of classical music! Call 248/651-4181 or visit our website at www.rochestersymphony.com/events/masterworks.
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