The East Metro Symphony Orchestra Presents Next Installment in Their Home Cookin' Concert Series

The East Metro Symphony Orchestra (EMSO) is thrilled to present another installment of its biannual Home Cookin’ concert series on Sunday, November 8th at 3 p.m. at Woodbury United Methodist Church, 7465 Steepleview Road, Woodbury, MN 55125.

The unique Home Cookin’ concert was created by conductor and music director, Elizabeth Prielozny Barnes, to highlight the many musical talents and accomplishments of the avocational musicians that are the EMSO family. It is an opportunity for them to step to the front of the orchestra as a soloist, play with other members in small ensembles, or hear their original compositions played by a full orchestra; a truly distinctive experience for EMSO members and audience.

“In most orchestras – certainly in all community orchestras that are composed of amateur musicians, each individual is lost in a sea of musicians’” noted Elizabeth Prielozny Barnes. “In this unique concert individual musicians from the orchestra have the opportunity to present themselves more fully to their audience and fellow orchestra members, and to vividly portray the vast array of members who populate a community orchestra: their unique personal histories, education and career paths, and relationships with music. These are some of the richest experiences EMSO can present to both its members and audience.”

Returning EMSO composer, Don Mitchell, commented that “EMSO’s Home Cookin’ concerts are a great opportunity to create new music and see it performed by excellent musicians who also happen to be good friends!”

This Home Cookin’ performance will feature EMSO members as well as highlight the different sections that make up the foundation of an orchestra, the strings, brass, and woodwinds.

The strings will perform Ralph Vaughn Williams’ The Lark Ascending with concertmaster, and former SPCO violinist, Michal Sobieski as soloist, J.S. Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 3, and a chamber ensemble performance.

The brass section will perform Hadea, the world premiere of a new composition by returning EMSO composer, Don Mitchell, and Richard Strauss’ Horn Concerto No. 1 performed by John Sassaman (horn).

The woodwind section will perform Fancis Poulenc’s Flute Sonata performed in an orchestrated version by Megan Gangl (flute), Leo Delibes’ Flower Duet from the opera Lakme performed by Patty Cook (flute) and Leanne Ekstad (oboe), and Richard Strauss’ Serenade for Winds.

The unique and wonderful sounds of each section will also be brought together for a performance of Leonard Bernstein’s Overture from Candide and in the return of the “Auto-Tune” quartet with the world premiere of returning EMSO composer, Richard Klauer’s new composition.

Admission to this wonderful event is FREE, with a free will offering being taken to support the orchestra’s work in the community. EMSO strives to support the needs of all audience members so please consult the orchestra’s website: www.EMSOrch.org and Facebook page: www.facebook.com/emsorch for more information.

EMSO concerts are always relaxed, informal, and appropriate for all ages and musical backgrounds. Everyone is warmly invited to join us for this event, which includes the chance to meet EMSO’s wonderful musicians during an informal reception, with cookies, following the performance.

The East Metro Symphony Orchestra is a community orchestra based in Woodbury, led by music director and conductor, Dr. Elizabeth Prielozny Barnes and concertmaster Michal Sobieski. The orchestra performs four to five concerts per season in the Twin Cities east metropolitan area, specializing in developing enervating collaborations with local artists and organizations, as well as special educational partnerships and programs for seniors. For more information go to www.emsorch.org or www.facebook.com/emsorch.