Bergen Symphony Orchestra Returns to Englewood

From the Bergen Symphony Orchestra:

The Bergen Symphony Orchestra (BSO) returns to Englewood to present Spring Fling, an evening of classical musical by composers Robert Schumann, Max Bruch and Antonin Dvořák. The 55-piece orchestra will be conducted by Woomyung Choe with violinist Ye-jin Han as guest soloist. One of the pre-eminent classical orchestras in the county, the BSO will perform at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 16 at the First Presbyterian Church of Englewood.

The BSO comprises professional musicians from the greater New York-New Jersey area. Its mission is to provide a high-quality, classical music experience that will not only enhance the cultural life of the community, but will also educate and encourage the next generation to love the music of the past.

Woomyung Choe, a musician as well as a medical doctor, is the driving force behind the BSO.

"I enjoy bringing serious classical music, affordable to everyone, to people of all ages in the local community," said Choe. "My vision for the BSO is for it to continue to grow in Bergen County and include more young people, both in the audience and as performers."

The evening will begin with Robert Schumann's (1810-1856) Overture to “Manfred,” Opus 115, a work based on the poem, "Manfred," by Lord Byron. One of Schumann's most performed works, it is an intense musical drama that intends to cast a spell.

Violin Concerto No. 1 in G-minor, Opus 26 by Max Bruch (1838-1920) is a lyrical piece with passages that span nearly the entire range of the instrument. It will be performed by violinist Ye-jin Han, who has been praised for her “pure, expressive tone”.

Han has performed extensively throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe, has been a prizewinner at a number of competitions and is a founding member of Bergen String Quartet, performing throughout the greater New York City area. A recitalist and chamber musician, Han also teaches privately and at the Music Academy of Long Island.

The final piece, Antonin Dvořák's (1841-1904) Symphony No. 7 in D minor, Opus 70, written to support the political struggles of the Czech nation, combines sections of calm and peace with passages of turmoil and unrest. Composed shortly after his mother's death, the Seventh dramatically contrasts the darkness and sunshine of life.

Tickets are available at $25 per person for general seating, $20 for seniors and students, and children up to age 17 will be admitted for free.