Founded in 1991, the Chamber Orchestra Kremlin, founded by its conductor and Music Director Misha Rachlevsky, is currently on a U.S. tour. Missouri State University-West Plains's UCP office (University-Community Programs) will present the orchestra in concert Sunday October 18 at 2:00pm in the West Plains Civic Center Theater. Former KSMU reporter Jennifer Moore, now Coordinator of Theater and Events at MSU-West Plains, says the campus is "thrilled" to be able to present the group, which she describes as a "chamber orchestra of about 20 people, and they are some of Moscow's finest musicians." In addition to a full concert schedule in Russia, the orchestra regularly tours Europe, North and South America, and Asia, as can be seen at their website http://www.kremlinontour.com.
Chamber Orchestra Kremlin will present an all-Beethoven program in West Plains on October 18--Jennifer Moore is quick to note that Beethoven is her "favorite composer of all time! The human experience is really expressed in almost all of Beethoven's works--with trial and melancholy, and this tension that's always resolved in the end." Interestingly, rather than the usual symphonies or overtures, Rachlevsky and his ensemble will perform three of Beethoven's string quartets as arranged for chamber orchestra.
Jennifer Moore says she's been "trying to spread the word and emphasize that hearing classical music performed live is completely different than hearing a recording of it. It's almost as if you hear these instruments breathe and come alive." Jennifer is convinced that great music can unite people "no matter their differences. We're in a time right now when a lot of people are focusing on differences, whether it's racial, political--you name it. But one unifying factor is music."
The West Plains Civic Center Theater seats about 450, and Jennifer calls it "a beautiful venue--it is really nice. Has fantastic acoustics. We are so proud to have it in that area. And I hope that people, not just from West Plains but all around the Ozarks, come out for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" to hear a chamber orchestra of international caliber and reputation.
Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door, and are available at http://wp.missouristate.edu/ucp/Theater.asp or by calling (417) 256-8087.
