Festival - Senior Orchestra (12:10 pm & 12:35 pm)

Featuring the world premiere of "Intermezzo" by current Usdan student George Socolow.

Program Note by George Socolow:

"'Intermezzo' is the second movement of my trilogy for string orchestra called 'Three Portraits of an Artist,' which is a trilogy about an artist's creative process. This second movement is about when an artist finds some calm, after the initial stage an artist faces when he admits his artistic unoriginality and inability to create something new and meaningful for the world. Although there is a calmer atmosphere in this second 'Intermezzo' movement, there is still nervousness and anxiety. 'Intermezzo' will be world-premiered on August 15 by the Usdan Senior Orchestra conducted by Dr. Kageki Nagao."

About George Socolow
George Socolow (born 2012) is a contemporary classical composer in NYC. His works have been performed by the New York Philharmonic, Filarmonica Arturo Toscanini, members of The Knights, the Parhelion Trio, Serenade Duo, Italian pianist Stefano Greco, and many other musicians worldwide. George is currently writing his first opera with his own libretto called “Dreams from the Heavens,” about an artist who was forced to retire trying to find a way to become an artist again. He is also writing a trilogy for string orchestra, entitled “Three Portraits of An Artist,” and several chamber and solo pieces. George has been at Usdan for four years, studying composition, guitar and piano, and has made life-long mentors and had premieres with extraordinary ensembles. He is excited to have the Senior Orchestra premiere his piece “Intermezzo” to share his gratitude and joy of having his work played by phenomenal student musicians as well as having a part of his trilogy world-premiered. 

Festival performances take place in the McKinley Amphitheater.