Percussion instruments take center stage in this Raleigh Civic Symphony Orchestra concert, with the energy and driving rhythms of Márquez’s Danzón No. 2 and Rimsky-Korsakov’s classic favorite Capriccio espagnol. Honoring the Serbian percussionist Ksenija Komljenović, Emmy Award-winning Oscar nominee Chris Boardman has composed a world premiere for the Raleigh Civic Symphony with dazzling virtuoso Dr. Komljenović as soloist. Boardman writes, “‘Intellectually brilliant, musically curious, intuitive, with the heart of an artist’ is how I would describe Dr. Komljenovic. As with other supremely gifted people I have had the privilege to work with, she is humble, sensitive and consistently displays a compassionate graciousness towards everyone she meets… This is a personal statement and showcase that unabashedly pulls on the audience’s heartstrings to share the power of music, to inspire hope, and remind us all that there is beauty wherever we turn… if we only stop to listen.” The concert opens with Valerie Coleman’s lyrical and thrilling ode to the pandemic’s essential workers, including the whooping, clanging, celebratory 7 o’clock daily odes to their heroic work.

This performance is presented by the Department of Performing Arts and Technology in conjunction with the Raleigh Civic Association.