UPCOMING CONCERTS & EVENTS

Program 1

Orquesta Filarmónica de Jalisco
José Luis Castillo, Music Director

Overture in C major | Fanny Mendelssohn 
Variations on a theme by Haydn, Op. 56 | Johannes Brahms *
Symphony No.1, D. 82 | Franz Schubert *

* Commemorations and anniversaries:
225th anniversary of the birth of Franz Schubert
125th anniversary of the passing of Johannes Brahms 

The Orquesta Filarmónica de Jalisco extends a heartfelt welcome to the public in the gorgeous Teatro Degollado, as we present the First Program of our First Orchestra Season, 2022. 

We begin with the only known orchestral work by Fanny Mendelssohn (1805-1847), her Overture in C Major.  When we hear the surname “Mendelssohn”, perhaps we immediately think of Fanny´s illustrious younger brother; maybe even remembering snippets of the “Wedding March” or the Violin Concerto.  However, among the musicians who knew her, many considered Fanny the superior talent.  Furthermore, she was arguably a mentor and inspiration to Felix, and investigations have shown that a few of her own works were published under her brother´s name.   The gracious overture that will be interpreted by the OFJ was probably written around 1830 and planned for the Mendelssohn family´s weekly concerts at their home in Berlin.  Fanny, being excessively modest, would not likely have imagined her music being performed for an adoring audience in a faraway land.  The privilege is ours. 

Our concert continues with the Variations on a theme of Haydn, Op. 56, by JOHANNES BRAHMS (1833-1897), as we commemorate the composer on the 150th anniversary of his death.  These Variations venture far beyond simple ornamentation or changes in tempo, meter, or tonality; the basic melody spawns an entire series of new melodic material that suggests various temperaments, all related to the underlying structure of the original theme.  They conclude with a very elaborate Finale in which Brahms begins with a return to the Baroque passacaglia form, a variation which is, itself, a set of variations.  Later, as we approach the end of this important orchestral work, the original theme returns in triumph, courtesy of the massed forces of the OFJ. 

We close the evening with the Symphony No. 1, D. 82, by Franz SCHUBERT (1797-1828).  Schubert would have celebrated his 225th birthday recently, on January 31st, 2022, and we celebrate the occasion in the OFJ with our interpretation of his First Symphony, written when the composer was sixteen years old.  In addition to discernable influences from Haydn and Mozart, this symphony features a Trio inspired by the Ländler (an Austrian folk dance) in its third movement, and in the symphony’s final movement, Allegro vivace, the Rondo form sparkles with all the joy and energy of youth. 

Thursday, February 17th, 8:30 PM
Sunday, February 20th, 12:30 PM
First Orchestra Season 2022, Teatro Degollado

Tickets from $90 to $250 pesos, available at the Teatro Degollado box office and through the Ticketmaster system.