One of the many things I like about my job are the varied performance opportunities, including solo recitals, chamber music concerts, and performances with local and regional orchestras. Two of the orchestras I play with, the Monroe Symphony (principal) and Rapides Symphony (third), have some great repertoire planned for their 2010-2011 seasons. The Monroe Symphony’s season is of special note because it will be the orchestra’s 40th anniversary. The orchestra has many special events planned to commemorate their “Ruby Anniversary,” including performances of Brahms’s Second Symphony and Rimsky-Korsakov’s Cappricio Espagnol. I’ve played principal on the Rimsky-Korsakov before, but not on the Brahms, and I’m very excited about those concerts.
The Rapides Symphony is based in Alexandria, LA, around 100 miles south of Monroe. They have also programmed a very nice season, with plenty of work for the brass, including Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony and Respighi’s Pines of Rome.
If you happen to be close to either of these areas try to check out a concert. My section mates in both orchestras are very fine players, and playing together is a lot of fun! Louisiana as a whole has some excellent orchestral playing going on, so if you live in Louisiana or close to it consider supporting one of the state’s many orchestras. See the links below for a complete list of Louisiana orchestras.
Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra
Lake Charles Symphony Orchestra
James Boldin's Horn World 