Bowden Excited to Work with Rubio Again
Elina Rubio, violin
The Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra presents String Spring Fling, an unusually varied program of delightful music for spring on Sunday, March 17, at 4:00 PM at Hatfield Hall. The short afternoon concert will last 75 to 80 minutes and will be performed without intermission.
Artistic Director, Dr. David Bowden
“I am very excited to work with violinist Elina Rubio again,” said Artistic Director, David Bowden. “She is a superb artist, as we all saw in April of 2023 when she played the Brahms Violin Concerto with the THSO. Ravel’s "Tzigane” is a fiery display piece based in Gypsy music that is perfect for Elina. It starts with her playing solo, then the harp enters coordinating its own virtuoso part with the violin. The orchestra enters and round and round we all go until the wild thrilling finish.”
The concert opens with an Irish reel-based composition, “Molly on the Shore,” which will have us all tapping our feet right from the start. This is followed by the tune, “And This is my Beloved” which is taken from Borodin’s Nocturne, a gorgeous feature piece for all the strings. Then a polka by the Strauss brothers – all pizzicato (plucked).
After Elina solos, she will join the violin section and participate in a hoe-down by Copland and then a warm mellow piece for harp and strings featuring Principal Harpist, Melanie Mashner.
But Bowden says he is most looking forward to two feature string works that are “absolutely mesmerizing! “Fratres” (Brothers) by Pärt and Caroline Shaw’s “Entr’acte” utilize unusual string techniques that I believe will have our audience on the edge of their seats. They are extraordinarily beautiful and, yes, spell-binding.”
Following the last piece on the program, the second movement of Bach’s Double Violin Concerto featuring current THSO concertmaster, Erina Buchholz and former concertmaster, Elina Rubio, Bowden says there may be a touch of the Irish for St. Patrick’s Day to complete the concert. The full program for the concert is available at thso.org.
A special reception for VIP ticket holders hosted by Viribus Wealth Management follows the concert with all musicians mingling with guests who purchase VIP tickets. String Spring Fling is proudly sponsored by Viribus Wealth Management and the Terre Haute Symphony League.
Concert Tickets – String Spring Fling
Patrons can purchase concert tickets by visiting www.thso.org or calling the THSO office at (812) 242-8476 Tuesday through Friday, 10am-5pm. Tickets start at just $15 for String Spring Fling. Students start at $5. Prices do not include facility and venue fees.