On November 4th, the Richardson Symphony Orchestra is holding its second concert of the season titled “American Landscapes.” This program is a collaboration with Nicholas Bardonnay of Westwater Arts. It features a multi-media performance using imagery that embodies the American spirit, as it celebrates the history of our nation that has been paired with live classical music from the orchestra.
Nicholas Bardonnay, Creative Director and CEO of Westwater Arts brings a wealth of experience as a photographer and multimedia artist. Having contributed to over 100 orchestra concerts globally, Bardonnay intertwines classical music with photography concepts, utilizing both his original works and historically archived photos.
Not only will Nicholas’ art be projected above the 440-square-foot screen above the orchestra, but so will photos of the City of Richardson. This portion of the concert is titled “Richardson: Then & Now,” in which the RSO opened photo submission to the community of Richardson in a photo competition. The community was asked to submit as many photos as they wanted to highlight what Richardson means to them. The RSO hopes that this concert will bring the Richardson community together as an opportunity to celebrate the rich history of Richardson.
This RSO season is the 12th season conducted under the baton of Maestro Clay Couturiaux. Clay brings energy, precision and creativity to every RSO performance. He is also the conductor of the University of North Texas Concert Orchestra and works as the Assistant Director of Orchestral Studies at UNT, where he teaches fundamentals of conducting technique, advanced orchestral conducting, and administrates the orchestral studies area.
The Richardson Symphony Orchestra was founded by a group of music lovers with support from business and civic organizations. The first concert was held on October 30, 1962, with 55 orchestra members and Chris Xeros as conductor. The RSO is now the resident symphony of the Eisemann Center for Performing Arts and offers a variety of classical and pop concerts each season programmed to appeal to the varied audiences of the DFW metroplex. In addition to the critically acclaimed season performances, the Richardson Symphony is also widely regarded as a leader in education and community outreach programs. The Ann & Charles Eisemann International Young Artists Competition draws talented young performers from around the world each year. The orchestra is also actively involved in providing an introduction to classical music for the third-grade students of the Richardson Independent School District and provides a wide variety of community outreach programs.
At the concert, you will get to hear:
Bernstein Overture to Candide
Copland Lincoln Portrait narrated by Barry Samsula
Dvorák “Largo” from Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95 “From the New World”
Copland Four Dances from Rodeo
What: RSO American Landscapes Concert
When: November 4th, 2023 at 7:30 P.M
Where: Charles W. Eisemann Center, 2351 Performance Drive Richardson, Texas 75082
Cost: Tickets range from $18-$75
Tickets can be purchased at www.eisemanncenter.com or by calling 972.744.4650