WILSON, N.C. — September 15, 2016 — It’s that time of year again! The annual “Downtown” Concert, presented by the Barton College/Wilson Symphony Orchestra, will be held on Thursday, Sept. 29, at 7:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, located at 100 Green Street.
The Barton College/Wilson Symphony Orchestra opens every new concert season with an admission-free, off-campus event, designed to introduce itself to a wider audience. And, this concert promises to be one of the symphony’s best, featuring the internationally celebrated Swiss-Canadian flutist Michel Bellavance. He will perform among other pieces, the Flute Concerto in D minor by C.P.E. Bach.
“We are fortunate to have a local connection to this great artist,” said Mark N. Peterson, director of music at Barton College. “Michel happens to be the brother of my colleague at the Church of St. Therese, Louise Bellavance, and the connection was way too exciting not to pursue. We look forward to returning to the First United Methodist Church where we get the opportunity to perform in this lovely space and also use their magnificent harpsichord.”
Bellavance is in high demand around the globe for his concert performances. He also serves as professor of flute for the advanced classes at the prestigious Geneva Conservatoire in Switzerland. With engagements on nearly every continent, Bellavance enjoys a full travel schedule with invitations to headline as guest artist at festivals and perform with orchestras. He also holds workshops, master classes, and recitals at conservatories and universities.
The “Downtown” concert program will include three baroque concertos. Along with the Bach flute concerto, concert master Christopher Ellis will play the solo violin part for Vivaldi’s famous and seasonally appropriate “Autumn Concerto” from “The Four Seasons,” and Dexter Ruffin is featured in J. S. Bach’s Harpsichord Concerto No. 6 in F Major.”
For additional information, please contact Mark N. Peterson at 252-399-6535 or email:mpeterson@barton.edu
END