The Unbroken Circle

Known for writing soundtracks to numerous films and television series, including House of Cards, Beal opens the concert with his sparkling Pollock Overture, from the 2000 film directed by and starring Ed Harris.  The concerto and its soloist share a paternal connection:  Richard Strauss composed his majestic first horn concerto for his father Franz, and Winter’s first horn teacher was his father’s father James.  Beal’s suite The Great Circle, a response to California’s tragic wildfires and mudslides in 2017–18, depicts nature’s elements—earth, air, fire, water—and their cyclic power to destroy and renew.  Ottorino Respighi composed several suites based on music from earlier centuries.  His enchanting Gli uccelli (The Birds) presents orchestral arrangements of Baroque harpsichord pieces inspired by birds.