This Wednesday, tune in to WHRO FM 90.3 for three hours of the finest music with a Virginia connection. Raymond Jones has carefully curated a diverse program that will take you on a musical journey, showcasing works that honor the rich heritage of Virginia’s musical community.
We begin the evening with a heartfelt tribute to the late pianist Gloria Whitehurst Philips, who passed away recently. Though born in Alabama, Philips spent most of her life in Virginia Beach and taught music at Old Dominion University. Raymond has chosen her acclaimed performance of Ernest Bloch’s Piano Quintet in C minor, with the Feldman String Quartet, to pay homage. Known for its intensity and innovative use of quarter tones, this work was a centerpiece of a 1962 concert at Hollins College.
Next, we move to “Children of Adam,” a choral and orchestral work by Richmond composer Mason Bates. Inspired by Walt Whitman’s poetry, the piece celebrates energy, spirituality, and human connection. This vibrant interpretation by the Richmond Symphony & Chorus, conducted by Erin R. Freeman, brings Bates’ composition to life with passion and depth.
After this energetic work, Raymond Jones will lift our spirits further with “Tableaux,” a composition by retired master sergeant Aldo Forte, performed by the United States Air Force Heritage of America Band under the direction of Captain Larry H. Lang. Divided into multiple movements, the piece showcases Forte’s compositional skill and the versatility of the Langley-based band.
Our audience will then be delighted by “Flying” by Victoria Bonds, performed by the Cassatt Quartet. Bonds, who held significant artistic roles with the Roanoke Opera and the Roanoke Symphony, composed this four-movement string quartet, praised for its meticulous and dramatic musicality.
Continuing our Roanoke theme, the Roanoke Symphony will perform Edward MacDowell’s Piano Concerto No. 2, featuring pianist Norman Krieger as the soloist, with David Wiley conducting. This expressive interpretation highlights the grandeur and delicacy of MacDowell’s work, capturing its emotional depth.
We’ll close the evening with “Blue Waters” by Norfolk-born composer Jennifer Barker. This ethereal work for vibraphone, performed by Helen Corbett, evokes images of calm, flowing waters with its shimmering textures and subtle contrasts. The piece’s resonant chords and rapid vibraphone passages create a serene yet dynamic atmosphere, mimicking the ebb and flow of the sea.
All of this and more this Wednesday at 9:00 PM on WHRO FM 90.3 and online. Don’t miss the best music deeply rooted in Virginia!
Tune in for Three Hours of Virginia-Connected Music on ‘A Local Touch’
