The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra kicked off its 2023-2024 season with renowned conductor Matthew Kraemer at the podium.
Kraemer and the LPO opened the season with three works that set the stage for what's ahead. A world premiere commission entitled Song of Orpheus by internationally renowned composer Stacy Garrop ushered in the new era. The remainder of the program showcased exceptional pieces of German repertoire including Hindemith's Symphonic Metamorphosis of Themes by Carl Maria von Weber and one of Beethoven's most popular orchestral works, Symphony No. 5.
Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 in C minor is also known as the Fate Symphony, and was composed between 1804 and 1808. Containing four movements, Beethoven's Fifth Symphony is often called one of the most important classical works ever composed.
The concert started at 7:30 and the orchestra played to a sold out Orpheum Theater. The opening piece, Song of Orpheus, was a beautiful and ethereal one that was perfectly situated for Hindemith's Symphonic Metamorphosis, a sterner, more insistent piece, which followed. After intermission, the orchestra performed Beethoven's Fifth with precision and passion. At one point, Kraemer addressed the audience, saying how excited he was to be here in New Orleans and working with the LPO. He expressed appreciation at the full house and the support of everyone there.
This season looks to be an exciting one with these concerts slated over the next several weeks:
September 16 - A Night on Broadway with the LPO
September 20 - Stravinsky at the New Marigny
September 21 - Northshore Classics: Stravinsky Pulcinella Suite
September 29 and October 1 - The Marriage of Figaro
Octotber 5 - Prokofiev & Price
October 12-13 - Get Out in Concert
October 21 Rachmaninov Symphonic Dances
October 22 - Family Concert: Halloween Spooktacular
October 25 - Milhaud at the new Marigny
October 28 Sunset Symphony: Mandeville Lakefront
For more information on upcoming LPO concerts, visit their website.
