Grand Finale Concert Planned for Alexandria Symphony Orchestra's Kluge

PHOTO of Maestro Kim Allen Kluge courtesy of ASO

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The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra is planning a farewell concert for Maestro Kim Allen Kluge which will feature a world premiere composition by Kluge and his wife Kathryn Vassar Kluge, according to a news release from the ASO.

The ASO will present The Transformative, a one-night-only season finale on Saturday, May 7 at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. Continuing with the 2015-2016 season theme “Symphony & Cinema,” the concert will feature the music of American composers and highlight some of the musical styles that form the country’s rich and diverse cultural tapestry.

The Transformative features the highly anticipated world premiere of American Concerto for Piano & Orchestra composed by the Kluges. The composition, written by this husband and wife team, will be debuted by pianist Thomas Pandolfi, with whom they consulted throughout the project.

“America is the great melting pot of musical styles. In the American Concerto, you will hear folk-like melodies, jazz-tinged echoes and nods to the American Songbook,” says Maestro Kluge. “The piece is inspired by the ideals of freedom and its need to be constantly re-birthed. Ultimately, ‘American’ means something unique to each of us; listeners have responded with intensely personal and elaborate reflections upon first hearing the piece.”

Returning to the ASO stage after his stunning performance of Lizst’s Piano Concerto No. 1 last April, Thomas Pandolfi brings his rare blend of classical technique and distinctly American style to the premiere. “Kim and Kathryn have composed a piece that embraces the sumptuous pianism of the great virtuoso piano concerti of the past, coupled with a nod to the great American songbook,” commented Pandolfi. “It’s all wrapped in a style that is uniquely their own, conveyed with the kind of writing that I’m intrigued and honored to perform as a pianist.”

The ASO’s season finale program also features excerpts from Copland’s Rodeo, Gershwin’s American in Paris and Hans Zimmer’s score to The Dark Knight (2008). All these pieces of iconic American music have been carefully chosen by Maestro Kluge to highlight composers who bridged musical styles and genres just as the Kluges have done in their monumental American Concerto.

Preceding the concert, the audience can attend a special interactive chat with Maestro Kluge, Kathryn Kluge and Thomas Pandolfi. The artists will engage the audience in a discussion about composition and the creative process. The composers and soloist will present live musical examples at the piano. The chat begins at 7 p.m., in the main auditorium.

Kluge, conducting his final concert at the Music Director of the Alexandria Symphony, will be honored at the concert as the ASO’s first Maestro Emeritus. Kluge has served the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra and Alexandria community for 28 years, transforming a fledgling community orchestra into a professional one of national acclaim. In honor of his many dedicated years of service, Kluge was named a 2016 Alexandria Living Legend and a 2016 Northern Virginian of the Year.

Following the conclusion of his tenure with the ASO, Maestro Kluge will be conducting nationally and internationally, and will bring his passion for education, orchestra building and innovative programming to his endeavors. He will continue his work as a composer, writing music for film, concert hall and performing artists. “I am grateful for the glorious music that we have made together all these years,” Kluge said. “I truly believe in the power of music to transform lives.”

The ASO noted that they expect the concert to be sold out, so reserve your tickets soon. Youth, student, military and group discounts available. To purchase tickets and for more information, visit www.alexsym.org or call 703-548-0885.