Amici Strings To Perform Free Concert in Wayne

WAYNE, PA, July 5, 2016—Although composed nearly three hundred years ago, the stormy “Summer” concerto of Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons” is based on a sonnet that opens with a perfect description of a capricious Philadelphia summer:

"A gentle breeze blows, but Boreas

Joins battle suddenly with his neighbor,

And the shepherd weeps because overhead

Hangs the dreaded storm, and his destiny."

Those words, translated from the Italian and likely written by the composer himself, will be read by Villanova University Theatre Professor Emeritus Jim Christy in a performance of all four of Vivaldi’s seasonal concertos by the Amici Strings on Friday, July 29 at 7:30 p.m. at Wayne United Methodist Church. Paul Roby, associate principal second violin with the Philadelphia Orchestra will be the guest soloist. The second half of the program includes Gustav Holst’s “St. Paul’s Suite,” a piece bursting with the energy of folksong; George Gershwin’s charming early work, “Lullaby;” and Astor Piazzolla’s alluring “Libertango.” A reception will follow.

Hearing the poems paired with each of Vivaldi’s movements enhances the experience of the piece, as do the talents of a soloist as accomplished as Paul Roby. Roby made his solo debut at age 12 with the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra and attended the Curtis Institute of Music at 16. The winner of the best Wieniawski Polonaise Prize and the Davidoff Prize for Outstanding Artistry, Roby held positions with the Baltimore Symphony and the National Symphony before joining the Philadelphia Orchestra in 1991.

Amici violist Bob Handler has performed with Roby on multiple occasions and been impressed with his generosity: “Paul Roby has consistently shared his knowledge and expertise in a kind and understanding manner. It is amazing to me how rewarding it is to play with him.” Principal violist Linda Jeffers calls rehearsing with Roby “like a master class.” Indeed, his helpfulness is abundant: after playing the demanding Vivaldi solos, Roby will join the orchestra for the remainder of the concert. Amici’s founder, Alice Pavri, invited Roby to perform with the group: “Paul is so down-to-earth and friendly that I knew he would have no qualms about sticking around.” Roby will play alongside his daughter, Emily who is going off to college in the fall.

Much like Roby, Jim Christy has had a distinguished career. In addition to the 39 years he spent as a professor in the Theatre Department at Villanova University, Christy has directed professionally both in Philadelphia and at Shakespeare festivals across the United States. He was the 2005 winner of Philadelphia’s Barrymore award for Lifetime Achievement.

Founded in 2015 by Alice Pavri, co-creator of the Providence Chamber Orchestra (est. 1998), Amici Strings is a summer orchestra dedicated to performing traditional and innovative string repertoire. The group is conducted by Stuard Young, Assistant Conductor of the Main Line Symphony Orchestra, and a retired Radnor Township School District music teacher.

For more information about Amici Strings, visit our website: amicistrings.com

About Wayne United Methodist Church

Wayne United Methodist Church is located at 210 S. Wayne Ave, in the heart of downtown Wayne, and remains an active part of the community. More information about events and ministries can be found at www.wayneumc.org.