Pianist Abramovic with Delaware County Symphony

The Delaware County Symphony opens its symphonic series at Neumann University with guest soloist Charles Abramovic performing Brahms Piano Concerto No. 1 in D Minor. Abramovic has won critical acclaim for his piano performances throughout the United States, France, and Yugoslavia. He has also appeared at major festivals in Berlin, Salzburg, Bermuda, Dubrovnik, Aspen, and Vancouver. He is a graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music and the Peabody Conservatory, and received his doctorate from Temple University. His teachers have included Natalie Phillips, Eleanor Sokoloff, Leon Fleisher, and Harvey Wedeen.

The program also includes the ever-popular “Fanfare for the Common Man” by Aaron Copland and the beloved Symphony No. 41 in C Major, “Jupiter,” by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

The Copland composition is not only inspiring but has an interesting background story. It was written in response to the U.S. entry into World War II and was inspired in part by a famous 1942 speech where Vice President Henry A. Wallace proclaimed the dawning of the “Century of the Common Man.” Copland considered many titles for the piece, including “Fanfare for a Solemn Ceremony” and “Fanfare for the Spirit of Democracy.” To everyone’s surprise, he ended up titling the piece “Fanfare for the Common Man.” A music conductor suggested that it be performed on income tax day. Copland replied,”I am all for honoring the common man at income tax time!”

Mozart completed his Symphony No. 41 in C major, K. 551, on 10 August 1788. It was the last symphony that he composed and is considered to be one of his symphonic masterpieces. The Jupiter flows with an intricate and melodious musical architecture that represents Mozart at his very best.

All are invited to a free pre-concert conversation presentation by Dr. Michael Kelly titled “Exceptional Works For The Common Man” from 2-2:30p.m. in the Meagher Theatre. Concert tickets are $18 or $15 for seniors/students. Neumann University students with ID are free and children under 12 (one child per paying adult) are free. There is ample free parking adjacent to the theatre and the center is handicapped accessible. For information, call 610-879-7059 or visit www.dcsmusic.org.