Dr. Nicole Cherry
Sept 26, 2022–When Dr. Nicole Cherry performs the violin solo of Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess with the Symphony of the Hills on October 6, she will take listeners on a personal musical journey.
“My goal is not to add to the composer’s intent, but to be immersed in it,” said the Assistant Professor of Violin at the University of Texas at San Antonio. “What will come through me is everything Gershwin is about. I hope we can convey that.”
Her relationship to the great American composer’s music goes back to her first performing experience–Gershwin’s American in Paris under District of Columbia Youth Orchestra director, Lyn McLain. Although Cherry did not join that prestigious program until the relatively late age of 12, by the time she graduated from high school she had performed eight of Beethoven’s nine symphony and toured the world.
Making this evening more special is the fact the orchestra will be using an arrangement by San Antonio’s James Scott Balentine, commissioned by the Symphony’s late Concertmaster Daniel Kobialka.
“I think Jim’s beautiful language within this work, combining classical sounds, and Latin, swing, blues, and even funk grooves is a beautiful testament to the exquisite range of his composing techniques and the reach of Gershwin’s magnificent work,” Cherry said. “His reimagining of this iconic work is a tribute to the greatness of American sound.”
While Cherry has performed at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Smithsonian, her greater passion is reaching out to young musicians in under-served areas. She has played and taught in underdeveloped areas from Johannesburg to the Brazos Valley. She served as artistic director of the Marian Anderson String Quartet Chamber Music Institute and has given a TED Talk on community engagement and music.
The holder of a Masters in Music from Julliard volunteers time at youth hostels, nursing homes, and hospitals. She says “there is no stage too small, or too large, or too round, or too square.” Nor are there musicians too young or too old, as “the journey of learning never ends.”
She is looking forward to her first journey to perform in Kerrville.
“I am so thrilled and honored to perform with Symphony of the Hills and Dr. Gene Dowdy,” she said. “I hope we all have a great time, immersing ourselves in some of America’s greatest music, while celebrating three of San Antonio’s most wonderful artists.”
She also teased that the audience should be prepared for a little surprise.
“There might be a little singing…”
Details:
The Symphony of the Hills performs “When In Rome: Inspirations from Italy” on October 6, 2022, at 7:30 pm at the Cailloux Theater in Kerrville.
Seats can be reserved online at caillouxperformingarts.com or by calling or visiting the Cailloux Theater Box Office, (830) 896-9393.
Concert information at info@symphonyofthehills.org.
