If you were to ask people who might be their favorite classical composer, they will likely say Bach, Mozart, or Beethoven. Or, they might mention Felix Mendelson or Robert Schumann. Few, if any, might say Fanny Mendelson (sister) or Clara Schumann (wife), both of whom were excellent composers in their own right. Composing music is strictly a male talent, or so many thought. The Tri-County Symphonic Band, under the direction of Philip Sanborn, will challenge this widely held prejudice in their season opening concert on Sunday, October 24, at 3:00 pm in the Gilbert D. Bristol Auditorium at Old Rochester Regional High School in Mattapoisett. Women are the only composers whose work will be performed in a concert titled, “Blazing the Trail: Women Lighting the Way.”
While the concert will feature the works of seven women composers, a collaboration with the New Bedford Whaling Museum and their project, “Lighting the Way: Historic Women of Southcoast,” will further increase our understanding of the significant roles women have played in our history. Local women will take to the podium to illustrate the stories of our “trailblazers” as the Tri-County Symphonic Band will frame the illustrations with a selection of musical delights from contemporary women composers as well as one composer from the 19th century. Also, Clarinetist Pattie Marshall will be featured in the bright and sonorous “Rhapsody for Solo Clarinet and Band” by Anne McGinty.
Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Tickets can be purchased at the Symphony Music Shop in North Dartmouth and online at BrownPaperTickets.com. Please visit tricountysymphonicband.org for more detailed information.