The DCR’s Hatch Shell on the Esplanade comes alive with orchestral splendor on Wednesday evenings during July and August, as the Boston Landmarks Orchestra returns for its 2014 main series. Led by Music Director Christopher Wilkins, the Orchestra brings together a diverse group of artists and partner organizations from across Greater Boston for seven unique programs, from the July 16 opening featuring Carmina burana, to the final concert on August 27, O’er the Land of the Free: Bicentennial of The Star-Spangled Banner. All Esplanade concerts begin at 7pm at the DCR’s Hatch Shell. Privately funded, the Orchestra shares live orchestral music in unique settings, through neighborhood concerts (6pm on July 9 in Charlestown and 6pm on July 13 in Jamaica Plain), and offers community-oriented programming appropriate for all Bostonians. The orchestra is committed to removing barriers of access for people with disabilities, especially at its Hatch Shell performances, through its Breaking Down Barriers initiative. For more information, call 617-987-2000 or visit landmarksorchestra.org.
July 16, 2014 – Opening Night – Carmina burana
The premiere of Larry Bell‘s adaptation of “At the River” (the Orchestra’s unofficial anthem) honors the Hatch Shell, one of Boston’s most iconic concert settings. Also on tap is Leonard Bernstein‘s “On the Waterfront,” from the classic film featuring Marlon Brando. The program concludes with Carl Orff’s Carmina burana, featuring the Back Bay Chorale (Scott Allen Jarrett, music director) and the One City Choir (singers from all parts of the city). This music is known and beloved by every generation. Special guest artists include Teresa Wakim, soprano, R. Joshua Reynolds, tenor, and Aaron Engebreth, baritone.
July 23, 2014 – Fiesta sinfónica
In partnership with Inquilinos boricuas en acción (IBA), Landmarks offers up an evening of Latin music and dance, beginning with George Gershwin‘s rumba-inflected Cuban Overture. Two worlds meet as the Orchestra is joined by “a pocket-sized salsa orchestra” performing festive music from a half-dozen Caribbean nations, with new nations represented this summer. Featured artists and partners include Conservatory Lab Charter School Dudamel Orchestra, Horace Mann School for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and drummers from Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston. The program features La noche de los Mayas (Silvestre Revueltas), En memoria de Chano Pozo (David Amram) and Viaje (Gonzalo Grau). Get ready to dance the night away!
July 30, 2014 – Longwood Symphony Orchestra
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