Symphoria presents a ‘Casual’ mass

Syracuse 'Symphoria' debuts new series this weekend

The non-for-profit orchestra will perform a new concert series this weekend.
Published: October 23, 2018
{iptc:title}
The 'Symphoria' experience is a modern take on the symphony and one of two non-profit musician-led orchestras in the United States.

It’s time for Syracuse students to put on their Sunday best and let a little music into the chaos of college life.

A choral symphony, Mass in Time of War, will be presented by Symphoria on Sunday, Oct. 28, at St Paul’s Syracuse downtown. 

The show is a part of the Casual series presented by Symphoria, the non-profit musician-led orchestra established in 2012 in Syracuse, one of only two in the United States.

“There is a reason the concert series is called Casual, says Jon Garland, board member of Symphoria and orchestral performer. “After the concert, the conductor, Lawrence Loh, will be interacting with the audience and you have a lovely reception thereafter for everyone to socialize.”

Garland teaches the French horn at SU and will be playing the instrument for Mass in Time of War. 

The historical composition — written by 18th-century Austrian composer Joseph Haydn following the turbulent French Revolution – will coincidentally be performed with the centennial anniversary of the end of World War I.

“They are exquisite compositions and fit in very well with the repertoire,” Garland said.

Catherine Underhill, the managing director of Symphoria, emphasized that ‘Casual’ is not politically motivated despite the historical significance. However, a performance following on November 3rd, The Inextinguishable, will commemorate the end of World War I with three works meant to celebrate human resilience.

“We are happy to host our series to encourage building a community through music and to connect people through such concerts,” Underhill said.

The series also features Le Tombeau du Couperin, a work by 19th-century French composer Maurice Ravel, and Lyric for Strings by the first African American to win the Pulitzer Prize for Music, George Walker.

Syracuse students can finish off their weekend with peace and harmony at Symphoria this weekend. Tickets are $5 a piece with a student ID. For non-students, tickets range from $25-$39.

For details on the concert, tickets and more, visit the Symphoria website.