Myth, Magic, and Mozart

From sweeping symphonic storytelling to the rhythms of dance and heritage, this program showcases how music can bridge the past and the present in strikingly original ways.

Richard Wagner’s Siegfried Idyll offers a vision of myth transformed, turning the legendary hero’s journey into an intimate, symphonic love letter, rich with leitmotifs that weave together like threads of an ancient tale. Wagner himself remains a mythic figure—both revered for his musical genius and scrutinized for his deeply troubling antisemitic views, raising ongoing debates about whether his art can be separated from the man. William Grant Still’s Danzas de Panama breathes new life into traditional folk dances, channeling the spirit and heritage of Afro-Caribbean culture in a work that feels both timeless and resonant.

Joseph Bologne’s Symphony No. 2 in G Major captures the elegance and brilliance of the Classical era, balancing formal clarity with expressive charm. Once one of the most celebrated composers of his time, Bologne’s remarkable story—rising to prominence as a virtuoso violinist, composer, and fencer—was largely forgotten for centuries, making his rediscovery feel almost legendary. The program concludes with Mozart’s Flute Concerto No. 2 in D Major, performed by Henrik Heide, Associate Principal Flute of the Cincinnati Symphony, showcasing luminous virtuosity and effortless grace—a fitting conclusion to a journey through myth, magic, and masterful storytelling.