Heroic expression forms the cornerstone of this concert, which features musical tributes by Beethoven and Bloch. Guest cellist Mihail Jojatu, formerly Principal Cello of Orchestra of Indian Hill, is a member of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Boston Cello Quartet.

"...a warm tone and supple phrasing." — Jonathan Blumhofer, Worcester Telegram & Gazette

Notes from Maestro Hangen: This is a big program! The infamous story goes that Beethoven originally dedicated his monumental symphony, "Eroica," to the great Napoleon Bonaparte, until Beethoven realized that Napoleon was really all about power play and taking over as much of the world as possible. The original manuscript score to this day still has the title page with the dedication to Napoleon scribbled & scratched out, with the word “Eroica” (heroic) inserted. It is truly a great work of art that everyone should have the opportunity to hear at least once in their lifetime! Cellist Mihail Jojatu returns to our stage to play the solo cello part in Jewish composer Ernst Bloch’s work Schelomo, which is Hebrew for Solomon. A kind of portrayal of King Solomon, the composer states that the solo cello inSchelomo is the incarnation of King Solomon and that the orchestra represents the world around him, as well as his experiences in life. It’s super-Romantic music, with some of the most extraordinary climaxes ever composed, along with some of the more thoughtful, tender moments. Beginning the concert is blue cathedral, a short piece by living composer Jennifer Higdon, about which she writes: “Blue….like the sky. Where all possibilities soar. Cathedrals…a place of thought, growth, spiritual expression…serving as a symbolic doorway in to and out of this world.”