A note from Christopher M. Cicconi Music Director, Warren Philharmonic Orchestra
A Note from Christopher M. Cicconi
Music Director, Warren Philharmonic Orchestra
Dearest Friends and Patrons,
We are thrilled to invite you all to our final concert of what has been a fantastic 2024/2025 season with the Warren Philharmonic Orchestra. Personally, my inaugural year as music director and conductor of this world class symphony orchestra has been truly an honor. It has been a joy meeting so many new people and establishing wonderful relationship as I return home to the valley.
Our concert Saturday is entitled “Homage”, and is centered around the idea of remembrance and musical tribute. We will open with the power overture William Tell, on of Rossini’s most recognizable tunes, which pays homage to Tell for his efforts in liberating Switzerland from Austrian occupation. Next you will hear Ticheli’s solemn composition “American Elegy”, which remembers the victims of the tragic events that occurred at Columbine High School in 1999. The first half of the concert concludes with John Williams’ “Escapades for Saxophone and Orchestra”, an exciting, jazz-like concerto taken from the music from the movie “Catch Me If You Can’, that centers around the life as well as (mis) adventures of the fraudulent Frank William Abagnale Jr. During the second half of the program, you will hear one of the most famous symphonies in the classical canon, Symphony No. 5 in C Minor by Beethoven, an absolute monumental work that inspires exhilaration as well as excitement
As the Warren Philharmonic and myself continue to strive towards our goal of active as well as meaningful community engagement, I am excited to welcome and share the stage with the Youngstown State University Youth Orchestra, led by their brilliant conductor, Dr. Michael Butler. This wonderful ensemble is most special to me, as I was a member of it when I lived here in Youngstown and am delighted they will be performing with us this evening.
As I reflect on what has been a fantastic year, I would like to graciously thank the board of directors for giving me the opportunity to musically lead the Warren Philharmonic; the ensemble or world class musicians for allowing me to share the stage and make beautiful music with you all; and finally to all of the concertgoers that have attended our performances and shared in the excitement as well as passionate music-making. Thank you all for being part of our organization, but most importantly, our family. Thank you, enjoy the concert, and see you next year!
