This article has been provided by the Raleigh Symphony Orchestra.*

After two years on hiatus, members of the Free Spirits Ensemble will return live to Bosendorfer Hall. This chamber ensemble made up of Raleigh Symphony Orchestra musicians sees several personnel changes this time: while pianist and FSE manager Lanette Lind will, unfortunately, not be appearing, it will be a concert of unique, dance-inspired works spanning several countries. Jim Williams and pianist Claudia Hinson begin the evening with one of Michele Mangani’s Tre Danze Latine, an exciting work inspired by the Peruvian Waltz by an Italian composer that sets the stage for the night’s homage to South America (as well as others!). Williams and Hinson will then be joined by Jean Bynum, violin; and Jesse Smith, cello; on four arrangements of Williams’ own: delightful Brazilian and Argentinian inspired tunes by Antônio Carlos Jobim, Johnny Mandel, and Astor Piazzolla.

Clarinetists Elizabeth Holoway, Brent Smith, and Jim Williams, joined by Richard Dryer on the bass clarinet, will perform works by Piazzolla, Darius Milhaud, Ignacio Cervantes, and the little-performed Hungarian composer János Gyulai-Gaál, followed by selections from Smith’s own Terpsichorean Suite, named for the mythological muse of singing and dancing. 

And who could end an evening of dance music without one of the most ubiquitous Brazilian dance tunes? This all-clarinet rendition of “Tico-Tico no Fubá” is sure to be a unique experience!

“Let’s Dance” will take place on March 26 at Ruggero Piano’s Bosendorfer Hall, which is currently limited to an audience capacity of 60. Audience members are asked to please wear a mask or face covering and respect social distancing guidelines for the health and safety of the performers and each other. Tickets ($13 adult, $10 children 16 and under) are available at the Free Spirits Ensemble’s webpage and online through the Raleigh Symphony Orchestra.

*Raleigh Symphony Orchestra’s Executive Director is also CVNC’s Executive Director, Andrea McKerlie Luke, and RSO Music Director Dr. Jim Waddelow, serves on the CVNC Board of Directors.