Gott joins Washington University Symphony Orchestra Oct. 13

St. Louis Symphony bassoonist performs music of Beethoven, David, Elgar and Grieg 

Jarvi conducts the Washington University Symphony Orchestra in the E. Desmond Lee Concert Hall. (Credit: Whitney Curtis/WUSTL Photo)

Pity the poor bassoon — large and awkward, frequently consigned to comic roles, its warm, mellow harmonics overshadowed by the thunder and lightning of piano and violin.

But in “Romance for Bassoon and Orchestra” (1911), Edward Elgar explores the instrument’s expressive potential, showcasing its lyrical heart and rich, plaintive timbres.

Gott

At 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 13, St. Louis Symphony bassoonist Andrew Gott will join the Washington University Symphony Orchestra for a performance of “Romance” in the university’s E. Desmond Lee Concert Hall.

The free concert, presented as part of the symphony’s Community Partnership program, also will feature music of Ludwig van Beethoven, Ferdinand David and Edvard Grieg.

The program will open with Beethoven’s Overture to “Fidelio” (1814), the composer’s only opera, followed by David’s “Concertino for Bassoon and Orchestra” (1840). Next will be the “Romance for Bassoon and Orchestra.” Concluding the performance will be Grieg’s Peer Gynt, Suite 1 (1888) and Suite 2 (1891), which are based on the composer’s own incidental music to the 1867 play of the same title by Henrik Ibsen.

The E. Desmond Lee Concert Hall is in the 560 Music Center, located at 560 Trinity Ave. in University City. For more information, call 314-935-5566 or email daniels@wustl.edu.

Jarvi and the Washington University Symphony Orchestra (Credit: Whitney Curtis/WUSTL Photo)


About the performers

Gott, a teacher of applied music in Arts & Sciences, joined the St. Louis Symphony as assistant principal bassoonist in 2006. He previously served as principal bassoon of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra under the baton of JoAnn Falletta.

The Symphony Orchestra is conducted by Steven Jarvi. The 75-piece ensemble, which draws musicians from across the university campus, performs repertoire from the Baroque to modern period in four public concerts each year.

St. Louis Symphony Community Partnership program

Guest musicians for the performance are sponsored by the St. Louis Symphony’s Community Partnership program, which presents more than 250 free events, concerts and classes each year throughout the greater St. Louis area.

For more information about upcoming events, or to find out how you can help, visit the Community and Education section of the St. Louis Symphony website at stlsymphony.org, or call 314-286-4432.