“Beautiful facility and outstanding performance. We loved the variety, artistry, and professionalism.” — Concert Attendee
MENDELSSOHN – Violin Concerto
MAHLER – Symphony No. 5
Maestro Bruce Hangen says: There are two concerts in the season that I think have ideal pairings of composers. Ideal because of how the nature of each composer completes, contrasts, and complements the other. One of those pairings is Beethoven and Stravinsky in May; the other is tonight’s concert with Mahler and Mendelssohn. Musicians love to play Mahler, and I love to conduct it. His music is his personal, soulful expression — more so than any other composer — and his Fifth Symphony, with its over-the-top, symphonic ultra-romanticism, beautifully complements the classicism, cleanliness of line, and almost simple writing of Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto. Mendelssohn is the palate cleanser before the multi-course meal that is Mahler, and I’m thrilled that our guest soloist is our own Vista Phil Concertmaster Alice Hallstrom!
About our guest soloist:
Concertmaster of the Vista Philharmonic Orchestra since 2011, violinist Alice Hallstrom has enjoyed rich musical and personal connections with her fellow musicians and audience members and has sought to help create dynamic musical experiences for all present. She has also served as assistant concertmaster of the Portland Symphony Orchestra and Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic, and assistant principal second violin of the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra. Ms. Hallstrom has performed with numerous orchestras and chamber ensembles throughout the United States, including the Boston Pops, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Utah Symphony, A Far Cry, and others. She has also recorded with The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square, Josh Groban, Natalie Cole, BMOP, Chamber Music Atlanta, Train, and The Cartoon Network. A third-generation musician, Ms. Hallstrom holds degrees from The Juilliard School and SUNY Purchase, and spent six years at the Eastman School of Music Preparatory Division. Her principal teachers were Malcolm Lowe, Robert Mann, Laurie Smukler, Thomas Halpin and Anastasia Jempelis. She lives in Bedford (MA) with her husband Michael and their three children. Ms. Hallstrom plays a 1756 violin made by Francois Gavinies.
