Maestro Majkut talks to Norm Robins (Video)
The Reno Chamber Orchestra’s third finalist for Music Director is Maestro Martin Majkut talks to Norm Robins about the history of Czechoslovakia (now Slovakia) and growing up in a country going through turbulent times. The Maestro also tells us of what we will be hearing this weekend as he takes the baton for The Reno Chamber Orchestra.
This is a very interesting conversation, be sure to stay tuned to the end when the Maestro tells us of the program this weekend.
Majkut’s first piece is the very short (2.5 min.), “Overture from Il Maestro de Cappella (the Master of the Chapel) by Italian composer Domenico Cimarosa (1749-1801). It is a melodic, lively piece. It is a good way to get a concert going.
His second piece is Alberto Ginastera’s “Variciones Concertantes”. It is a little bit longer at 22 minutes. Ginestera (1916-1983) was an Argentinian composer. He excelled at putting a modern spin on music of Argentinian folklore. The piece is vigorous and compelling.
Ilja Zeljenka’s “Musica Slovaca” is Majkut’s third piece. It is only 5 – 6 minutes but it is haunting, melodic, and beautiful. Like Majkut himself Zeljenka (1932-2007) was a native of Bratislava in what is now Slovakia.
He will conclude the concert with Beethoven’s “Violin Concerto” with a solo performance by acclaimed violinist Bella Hristova.
The Reno Chamber Orchestra will perform under the baton of Maestro Majkut Saturday, November 23rd, at 7:30 PM and Sunday, November 24th, at 2:00 PM at Nightengale Hall on the UNR campus. There will be pre-concert talks 45 minutes before each performance. Ticket information can be obtained at www.renochamberorchestra.org.
