Spirituals Arranged by David Mairs

Vaughan Williams – The Lark Ascending

   -Ryan Coppin, violin soloist

Schumann – Symphony No. 1 in Bb “Spring”

What better month in Texas to add a leap year day than late February? Average temperatures are comfortable and the joy and potential of rebirth is everywhere. Robin Williams famously said, “Spring is nature’s way of saying, Let’s Party!” We can all use and enjoy an extra day, which provides us a gap in our schedule for, oh, I don’t know, maybe a symphony concert?!

Many composers have channeled the inspiration of spring into their music. Of course, Vivaldi comes to mind, but also Schumann whose Symphony No. 1 is the cornerstone for this performance. His Bb major symphony is full of potential and energy, with small motives bubbling up into soaring themes.

Ryan Coppin is a violinist and teacher in San Antonio and surrounding areas. In addition to playing with Symphony of the Hills, Ryan also enjoys playing with San Antonio Philharmonic, the Mid-Texas Symphony, Corpus Christi Symphony, and is concertmaster of Symphony Viva . This last season Ryan was soloist in Saint-Saens Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso with Symphony Viva.

In his free time, Ryan enjoys cycling and taking endless pictures of his cats, Max and Dolly.