News From Britt Hill – August 2015

By the time you read this News from the Hill the Britt Orchestra will have already arrived here in beautiful southern Oregon. As you can imagine, our Music Director Teddy Abrams has been working tirelessly over the past several months to make his vision a reality. The first rehearsal began on July 27th and the orchestra has never sounded better. Everyone associated with Britt is waiting in anticipation and thrilled to share this epic season with you.

At this writing, we’re looking forward to the performance of Carmina Burana on Opening Night July 31st. This season Teddy will lead the Britt Orchestra in seven concerts, with highlights including the first Britt performance of Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring, the Dover Quartet performing John Adams’ Absolute Jest, with the composer in the audience, violinist James Ehnes, composer and electronic musician Mason Bates, and a Symphony Pops concert with Broadway vocalist Morgan James. Lawn tickets for the Pops concert are only $5.

As a special treat, on Friday, August 7th, Teddy and the Britt Festival Orchestra will perform the world premiere of Bull Frogs Croon, a song cycle composed by Aoife O’Donovan, Jeremy Kittel and Teddy Abrams. The piece is based on the poetry of Oregon Poet Laureate Peter Sears, and is written for orchestra and solo vocals, guitar and violin. You won’t want to miss this! Peter Sears is even coming to our hill to enjoy the original composition based on his work! He might even be sitting next to you.

This year, Teddy is producing and presenting music that is varied, enjoyable and attainable. This season is about expressing the culture of the whole community and finding appreciation in our connections to its diversity.

Like last year, Teddy is out and about town passing out a few coveted free tickets to every Britt orchestra concert. If you see him walking or riding a Segway around, don’t hesitate to say “hi” and ask him how things are going. He is sure to have an enthusiastic and informative response!