The program begins with Schubert’s effervescent Symphony No. 3 in D, written when the composer was just 18. Next, internationally acclaimed soprano Lucy Crowe takes the stage to perform gorgeous arias from two of Weber’s operas, Oberon and Der Freischütz. Finally, maestro Emelyanychev leads the COE in a symphonic gem by Joseph Haydn created in 1761, when the composer entered the service of the powerful and wealthy Esterházy family. Over the more than 30 years that he spent with them, Haydn wrote over 100 symphonies (amply earning the moniker “Father of the Symphony”!), one of which closes the evening with fanfare: the Symphony No. 90 in C, full of Haydn’s sparkling wit—including a fakeout ending near the close of the finale.

Photo © Victoria Cadisch