More 'sax and violins' expected in Dallas this weekend

DALLAS - March 12, 2019 - PRLog -- New Texas Symphony Orchestra presents Snapshots: Onward, featuring guest artist Todd Oxford in a performance of Debussy's Rhapsodie for Orchestra and Saxophone and concluding with Symphonie Fantastique, Op. 14 by Berlioz on Sunday, March 24, 3:00 p.m. at the Moody Performance Hall:

• WHO: New Texas Symphony Orchestra with Todd Oxford, Alto Saxophone
• WHAT: Snapshots: Onward, a celebration of Debussy and Berlioz
• Debussy, Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun
• Debussy, Rhapsodie for Orchestra and Saxophone
• Berlioz, Symphonie Fantastique, Op. 14
• WHEN: Sunday, March 24, 3:00 p.m.
• WHERE: Moody Performance Hall, 2520 Flora St, Dallas, TX 75201
• HOW MUCH: $25.00 available at TicketDFW.com

A world-class touring performer and recording artist, Todd Oxford has extensively performed as both a concert soloist and ensemble performer, including serving as baritone saxophonist for the Harvey Pittel Saxophone Quartet. Originally from Irving, Texas, Todd is a Grammy-nominated artist, currently appearing on 18 commercially available recordings, and he is an Artist/Endorser for Eastman Saxophones. (Embedded video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3GGPBpTFhs&feature=youtu.be&t=7.)



Premiering 100 years ago and a year after the death of the composer, Rhapsodie pour Orchestre et Saxophone or Rhapsody for Orchestra and Saxophone was originally intended for saxophone and orchestra, but Claude Debussy only wrote the piano score. The orchestration for this now classic symphonic work was actually prepared by Jean Roger-Ducasse in 1919 because Debussy died before being able to complete the work. The piece was originally commissioned by American amateur musician and noted sophrologist, Elsie Hall, to highlight the saxophone as a legitimate musical instrument. Debussy was rather unfamiliar with saxophones before beginning to write this rhapsody. Today the Rapsodie for Orchestra is considered a significant contribution to the saxophone repertoire.

The NTSO Sunday concert also includes a performance of Debussy's Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun and concludes with a performance of Berlioz's Symphonie Fantastique, a musical psychedelic trip because of its hallucinatory and dream-like nature. The symphony tells the story of an artist gifted with a lively imagination who falls desperately in love with a woman at first sight. Later, convinced that his love is hopeless and unrequited, he poisons himself with opium. The narcotic plunges him into a heavy sleep accompanied by strange and dark visions.

About the New Texas Symphony Orchestra

Now celebrating its 15th anniversary season, the New Texas Symphony Orchestra is the premier community orchestra of Dallas, providing both performers and audiences inspired opportunities to play and enjoy great symphonic music. The orchestra is led by founder, conductor, and artistic director Dr. Kathryn D. "Cathy" Brown.