DeKalb Symphony Orchestra presents “Eastern Echoes” featuring Emily Smith, violin

This evening of music invites the audience on a vivid musical journey through Eastern and Central Europe, where folklore, legend, and deeply felt lyricism come alive through sound. This dynamic program showcases the DeKalb Symphony Orchestra in a concert rich with color, passion, and storytelling.

The evening opens with Glinka’s electrifying Overture to Ruslan and Ludmila, a sparkling showpiece of Russian Romanticism. Brimming with breathless momentum, flashing strings, and triumphant brass, the overture draws listeners instantly into a world of myth and magic—an exhilarating curtain-raiser that sets the stage for adventure.

At the heart of the program is Max Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1, performed by guest soloist Dr. Emily Smith. One of the most beloved works in the violin repertoire, this concerto is cherished for its soaring melodies, emotional depth, and intimate dialogue between soloist and orchestra. From its yearning opening to its fiery, dance-like finale, Bruch’s music speaks directly to the heart, offering a powerful showcase for Emily Smith’s expressive artistry and virtuosity. Emily Smith is a member of the Vega Quartet, the quartet-in-residence at Emory University.

The concert concludes with Kodály’s Háry János Suite, a vibrant celebration of Hungarian folk tradition and musical imagination. Drawing on the tall tales of the boastful yet endearing folk hero Háry János, Kodály weaves together humor, rustic charm, and bold orchestral color. With its distinctive rhythms, evocative melodies, and unmistakable sense of place, the suite brings Eastern Echoes to a jubilant and unforgettable close. Tickets available at dekalbsymphony.org.

Program:
GLINKA, Overture to Ruslan and Ludmila
BRUCH, Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor, Op. 26
KODÁLY, Háry János Suite

Artists:
Paul Bhasin, Music Director and Conductor
Emily Smith, Violin