“West Side Story” Dances Highlight North Shore Philharmonic Spring Concert

Music Director Robert Lehmann will conduct one of the world’s most popular symphonic works when the North Shore Philharmonic Orchestra performs Leonard Bernstein’s “Symphonic Dances from West Side Story” in the NSPO’s Spring Concert Sunday, April 27, 3 p.m. at Swampscott High School.

Bernstein’s dazzling music made “West Side Story” one of the most-loved musicals—and movies—of all time.  His “Symphonic Dances” compresses the musical’s soundtrack into 22 minutes of unforgettable tunes that touch emotions ranging from tension, friendship, excitement, love, and, ultimately, to a poignant plea for peace and acceptance in the haunting finale “Somewhere.”

The concert also will showcase Lehmann as soloist in Joseph de Boulogne’s Violin Concerto in G Major.

“de Boulogne—Chevalier de Saint-George—was an incredible individual,” said Lehmann.  “In his short life of just 54 years, he distinguished himself as a virtuoso violinist, composer, elite fencer, military hero, and

Revolutionary. He was often referred to as ‘The black Mozart’ as he was the first classical composer of African descent to attain praise and plaudits in the world of European music both for his fearless violin prowess and also for his fencing mastery.”

The concert will open with Symphony No. 2 by American composer Howard Hanson. “Howard Hanson was a tireless advocate for American music,” said Music Director Lehmann. “As a composer, conductor, educator and administrator, he commissioned, championed and performed thousands of works by young American composers. His own Second Symphony has endured as a nostalgic favorite, known for its sweeping, cinematic writing and Romantic temperament. Hanson’s most popular work greatly influenced the next generation of composers. One can easily hear this influence in its similarity to the great film composers,including John Williams.”

Tickets for the concert will be available at the door or can be purchased in advance through the Orchestra’s website www.nspo.org. for $30, $25 for seniors and students, and children 12 and under are admitted free.

The NSPO will conclude its 76th concert season with a Children’s Concert and Instrument Petting Zoo on Sunday, May 4, 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Beverly in a program supported in part by a grant from the Beverly Cultural Council, which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

The North Shore Philharmonic Orchestra is staffed largely by volunteer players and is committed to providing access to quality music at an affordable price to communities north of Boston.  The Orchestra strives to develop, train and provide opportunities for young and amateur musicians, while providing a large range of programs covering the full range of symphonic and pops repertoire for a diverse public.   For full concert information, visit www.nspo.org or contact in**@**po.org.