The Planets
We close the Hartford Symphony Orchestra's 80th Masterworks season with a return appearance from Melissa White, the HSO’s 2023-2024 Joyce C. Willis Artist in Residence, underwritten by the Roberts Foundation, performing the soaring melodies of Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1. According to Carlos Simon, his intent for Amen! was “to re-create the musical experience of an African American Pentecostal church service that I enjoyed being part of while growing up in this denomination.” Each movement flows into the next to reflect the way the worship service flows. Inspired by the astrological characters of each planet, Holst’s The Planets bears the richness and emotional warmth of humanity, encapsulating the theme of the entire program bringing people together through the spirit of music.