UW Chamber Orchestra to Perform All-Mendelssohn Program March 12

The University of Wyoming Chamber Orchestra, directed by Beth Vanderborgh, will present an all-Mendelssohn program of works Thursday, March 12, at 7:30 p.m. in the Buchanan Center for the Performing Arts concert hall.

Featuring violin virtuoso Simone Spadino and acclaimed pianist Jiwon Han, the program is a curated celebration of the early genius of Felix Mendelssohn, showcasing his mastery of string and keyboard writing.

The evening opens with the “Violin Concerto in D minor,” composed in 1822 when Mendelssohn was only 13. This remarkable early work features three movements (allegro --andante -- allegro) lasting roughly 22 minutes, blending classical style with burgeoning romanticism.

Following is the “Double Concerto in D minor for Violin, Piano and Strings,” which Mendelssohn composed in 1823 at the age of 14 for himself and friend Eduard Rietz. The piece features a virtuosic, dialogue-driven structure between the soloists, marked by youthful energy, technical complexity and a lyrical, emotive slow movement, showcasing Mendelssohn’s precocious talent.

Closing out the concert is Mendelssohn’s “String Symphony No. 10 in B minor.” Composed in 1814, the concise, single-movement work showcases advanced technical prowess through a dramatic, somber adagio opening that shifts into a rapid, contrapuntal allegro.

Violin soloist Spadino is rapidly ascending the ranks of the international classical scene. A Grand Prix winner at the 2023 Geneva Junior Music Competition, Spadino has graced stages as prestigious as the Musikverein in Vienna. Born into an Italian musical dynasty, he performs on a rare 1785 Lorenzo Storioni violin, lending a historic and rich tonal quality to the performance.

UW music faculty member Han is an internationally celebrated pianist. Having made his professional debut with the Korean Philharmonic at age 8, Han’s career is marked by top prizes at global competitions. He is widely recognized for his versatility across solo and collaborative repertoires.

The UW Chamber Orchestra is the university’s premier string ensemble, which has earned a reputation for excellence and adventurous programming, frequently collaborating with titans of the industry such as Augustin Hadelich.

For more information, call Vanderborgh at (336) 312-7688 or email bvanderb@uwyo.edu.