Led by Jeffrey Grogan, the Ithaca College Symphony Orchestra will perform a free concert entitled "Love and Struggle" on Thursday, October 6. Beginning at 8:15 p.m. in Ford Hall in the James J. Whalen Center for Music, the program will evoke the tragedy of star-crossed lovers as well as explore the feelings of a woman stricken with a debilitating disease.
In addition to Prokofiev's "Romeo and Juliet" and Bernstein's symphonic dances from "West Side Story" -- two compositions inspired by Shakespeare's classic tragedy -- the concert will feature the world premiere of "What Is, and What Should Be." Commissioned by Texas resident John Turner after his wife, Darrell, was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's Disease (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), the piece was composed by Jason K. Nitsch. It is a musical depiction of the adjustments that need to be made when one is struck down in the prime of life. The piece was also composed to spread awareness about the disease.
John and Darrell Turner will be attending the premiere, along with their two daughters, their nephew, and representatives of the Upstate New York Chapter of the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Association. The composer will also be present at the performance.
Currently the assistant band director at Deer Park High School near Houston, Nitsch studied under Grogan at Baylor University. His compositions have been performed by the Chicago Brass Choir and the Baylor University Symphonic Band as well as by the public school bands and orchestras. His work has been featured in recent performances at the Mid-West International Band and Orchestra Convention in Chicago.
For more information on the performance call (607) 274-3717.
For more information on Lou Gehrig's Disease, visit www.alsaupstateny.org.
https://www.ithaca.edu/intercom/article.php/20050929084908279