FOOSA brings free concerts for the community, returns to Disney Concert Hall

Story excerpts courtesy of Stories.FresnoState.edu

The concert hall lights dim and all eyes are on the performers. Rows of musicians and their instruments line the floor. Dalton Morris, then a senior double majoring in instrumental performance and composition, sits behind his cello as the music begins to flow through his fingertips.

“Music brings people together. You see how similar we are but then also all the differences we have—and respecting our differences and appreciating them,” said Morris.

Knowing “music can create a powerful connection with a lot of people,” Dalton has taken advantage of every opportunity to connect with his fellow musicians, mentors and the broader arts community. 

Last summer, Dalton participated in one of the most rewarding opportunities yet — the Fresno Summer Orchestra and Opera Academy’s (FOOSA) summer music festival. Each year, top student musicians audition to learn from internationally-renowned faculty during a two-week training intensive that culminates in a philharmonic performance. For Dalton, the lessons, rehearsals and performance opportunities challenged him to grow as both a writer and a performer. 

“It’s like putting an entire semester of work into two weeks,” he said. “It’s a lot more focused, so you can really engross yourself into the music, work on your technique and just build yourself to be a better musician.”

Now, FOOSA is back in 2023 and is bringing more free concerts to the Fresno community and Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles.

Music of Ecstasy: Scriabin & Shostakovich

Experience some of the most passionate music ever written when the 120 musicians of the FOOSA Philharmonic take the stage.

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The FOOSA Philharmonic is renowned for its passionate performances, and the repertoire you mentioned includes some powerful and emotional compositions. Here’s a brief description of each piece:

“Sequoia” is a composition by American composer Joan Tower. It was written in 1981 and is known for its dramatic and evocative nature. The piece captures the grandeur and majesty of the sequoia trees, with soaring melodies, rich harmonies, and dynamic contrasts. It is often performed by orchestras seeking to showcase the expressive capabilities of their musicians.

“The Poem of Ecstasy” is a symphonic poem by the Russian composer Alexander Scriabin. Completed in 1908, it is a highly romantic and mystical work. Scriabin’s music is often characterized by its lush harmonies and explorations of spiritual themes. “The Poem of Ecstasy” reflects his belief in the transformative power of art and the pursuit of ecstatic experiences. It features a large orchestra and showcases Scriabin’s innovative and colorful orchestration.

Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 11, subtitled “The Year 1905,” was composed in 1957. It is a programmatic symphony that depicts the events of the Russian Revolution of 1905 and pays tribute to those who lost their lives in the struggle for freedom. The symphony is characterized by its powerful and poignant melodies, dramatic orchestration, and moments of intense emotional intensity. It captures the atmosphere of political unrest and the human struggles during that turbulent period.

Under the baton of conductor Thomas Loewenheim, the FOOSA Philharmonic Orchestra is sure to bring these compositions to life with their technical skill and passion. The combination of Tower’s “Sequoia,” Scriabin’s “The Poem of Ecstasy,” and Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 11 will provide a diverse and captivating musical experience for the audience.