Symphonic Splendour

Experience a majestic afternoon of symphonic brilliance! Join Paragon Philharmonia and cello soloist Rachel Sexton for a program that journeys through classical elegance, romantic passion, and Beethoven’s lively wit.

Anna Amalia - Overture to Erwin und Elmire

Saint-Saëns - Cello Concerto No.1

    Rachel Sexton, soloist

Beethoven - Symphony No. 8

We are thrilled to present this program at The Hill School in Middleburg! Opening this programis a delightful overture by Prussian princess, patron of the arts and composer, Anna Amalia, from the late Baroque period.

Paragon Philharmonia’s principal cello Rachel Sexton is featured in Saint-Saens singular cello concerto. A French composer, Saint-Saëns’ other best known works include Symphony No. 3 ‘Organ’, numerous piano concerti and The Carnival of the Animals.

Beethoven composed his 7 th and 8 th symphonies within the same year, 1812. Beethoven referred to the 8 th as “my little symphony in F” (compared to his larger, longer symphony in F; #6, the Pastorale). He considered it better than the 7 th symphony and while prior works were

more forward-looking and innovative in style, the delightful 8 th symphony looks back to the time of Haydn and Mozart. A deciding factor in programming this work was that it is the only Beethoven symphony our executive director and principal bassoonist Jeff Ward has never played!