Grab life by the horns

The Newport Symphony Orchestra will conclude its 2024-25 season with the final Chamber Music on the Bayfront concert this Saturday, April 12.

The program will feature hornist Frances Pinkham, concertmaster violinist Casey Bozell and guest pianist Stephen Lewis from Portland.

The recital begins with “Make It Short” by Paul Lansky. This charming piece is the fourth movement of the larger work “Etudes and Parodies.” Each of the various movements highlights a different strength of the horn.

Next on the program is “Canciones” for horn and piano by Paul Basler. This work was commissioned by and written for American hornist Myrna Meeroff. It is a setting of three lyrical songs, beginning with a lovely conversation between the horn and piano with soaring melodies. The piece is a testament to the beauty of the horn and is a perfect selection for sunset on the Bayfront.

Next up is “Suite Italienne” for violin and piano by Igor Stravinsky, a delightful journey into the composer’s neo-classicism from the ballet Pulcinella. When Stravinksy had a successful ballet, he would take the music and rework it into an instrumental suite, in this case for violin and piano.

The concert ends with the magnificent staple of the chamber music repertoire, Johannes Brahms’ “Trio for Horn, Violin and Piano,” a large four movement work commemorating the passing of his mother, Christiane. The piece is a reflective journey of sorrow and love that culminates in the joy of passing sadness.

Saturday’s concert begins at 7:30 pm at the Pacific Maritime Heritage Center, located at 333 SE Bay Blvd in Newport. Tickets are $44. For more information or to buy tickets, go to coastarts.org or call 541-265-2787. Tickets will also be available at the door the night of the performance.