The Shepherd School Chamber Orchestra opened its Sept. 27 program with Rossini’s sparkling “Overture to La gazza ladra” and closed with Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7, but the evening’s centerpiece was a world premiere that celebrated the school itself: Anthony Brandt’s Chamber Concerto for Cello and Orchestra, commissioned in honor of the Shepherd School of Music’s 50th anniversary.
“My piece is conceived as a cross between a concerto and chamber music: There is a clear protagonist but one constantly in conversation with the orchestra,” said Brandt, professor of composition and theory. “It has been a special privilege to work with Norman, conductor Miguel Harth-Bedoya and our remarkable students in bringing the piece to life.”
Professor of cello Norman Fischer was the soloist in the premiere, which marked the first of four debuts still to come this season in a multiyear initiative of seven faculty commissions.
“Norman and Jeanne Fischer beautifully embody the Shepherd School’s spirit,” Brandt said. “Their high standards, adventurousness, warmth and dedication bring out the best in all around them. I thought partnering Norman with our orchestral students would be a wonderful way to pay tribute to the music school’s 50th anniversary.”
The commission joins a season of premieres highlighting the creativity and breadth of the Shepherd School faculty. Learn more about them here.
