WFU orchestra to present ‘Ethics Exemplified’

The Wake Forest University Orchestra will present a concert titled, “Ethics Exemplified,” at 8 p.m. April 23 in Brendle Recital Hall.

The program features music that represents different aspects of ethics in keeping with Wake Forest’s Year of Ethics and Honor. The program finale features music from the movie, “E.T., the Extraterrestrial.” The program will begin with the overture to “The Marriage of Figaro” by Mozart. This opera concerns the ethics of the aristocracy in the 17th century.

“The overture tends to simulate the gossip at court,” said David Hagy, the director of the orchestra.

“Illusions for Chamber Orchestra” by Thomas Briccetti will follow. The piece deals with the “illusion” of truth and is also included to honor Briccetti, who was Hagy’s former teacher.

“Mathis der Mahler,” written by composer Paul Hindemith, will also be featured. The piece is about three paintings by Matthias Grunewald, a 15th century painter who was persecuted for his beliefs during the Reformation. This movement was included because it represents someone persecuted for his honor in maintaining his beliefs despite hardship, Hagy said.

After an intermission, the orchestra will perform Gustav Mahler’s “Symphony No. 5.” The “Adagietto” movement represents a love letter from Mahler to his wife and was included to show the honor of a loving relationship.

The concert will conclude with the final three movements of “Adventure on Earth” by John Williams from the movie “E.T., the Extraterrestrial.”

“Consisting of the music from the last 15 minutes of the movie—from the discovery that ET is alive through the bike chase, flight and finally the departure—the piece was included because it deals with how we as humans treat the unknown, whether facts, other creatures or other humans,” Hagy said.

The concert is free and open to the public. For more information call 336-758-5364.

Categories: Arts & Culture, Events