University of Missouri – St. Louis music professor and composer Barbara Harbach was commissioned to write a work to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the institution. As a result, her Jubilee Symphony will receive its premiere on Wednesday, October 9 at the Touhill Performing Arts Center. Robert Howard will conduct UMSL’s University Orchestra in the premiere.
The first of the symphony’s three movements, Bellerive, depicts the old Bellerive Country Club on whose grounds UMSL was built. At the inception of the university, the original Bellerive club house was the only building housing the administration, class rooms, library and cafeteria.
The second movement, Mirth Day Fiesta, is inspired by the Mirth Day festival which is held each April. The symphony concludes with Tritons Ascending. The university’s mascot is the Triton, the mythological Greek god, messenger of the Sea. The music portrays the Triton rising up out of the dark sea into a festive celebration.
The October 9th concert will also include Beethoven’s Symphony No. 2, a work Howard believes also reflects the spirit of jubilation.
Related Event
UMSL University Symphony Orchestra Premiere of Barbara Harbach's "Jubilee" Symphony
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
7:30 p.m.
Touhill Performing Arts Center
(314) 516-4949
Touhill Performing Arts Center Website
