Whidbey's Saratoga Orchestra: A Musical Odyssey – Remembering Tokitae

Ludwig van Beethoven — Symphony No. 6 in F major, Op. 68 "Pastorale"
Cindy McTee — Circuits
Nicholas Sassé — 80 x 35 x 20

The odyssey begins with Circuits, a churning, propulsive exercise of orchestral momentum written by Cindy McTee. McTee, a native of Tacoma and former professor at Pacific Lutheran University, is said to have "a compositional style that celebrates the musical and cultural energy of modern-day America."

The title for Nicholas Sassé 2023 composition, 80 x 35 x 20, is derived by the "whale bowl" tank size that resident orca Tokitae spent the majority of her life until her death in 2023. Tokitae was an estimated three to six years old in 1970 when she was captured from her ancestral waters in Penn Cove off Whidbey Island. Written while Sassé was a music composition student at Central Washington University, these performances will mark the professional premiere of this emotionally-charged work.

The "Pastorale" Sixth Symphony is one of Beethoven's most overtly programmatic works. Yet, the music does not attempt to tell a literal story. Instead, it evokes the aura of nature. Nonetheless, there is tone-painting in the Pastoral Symphony—bird calls, babbling brooks, peasant dances, and even a thunderstorm. First performed in 1808, Beethoven was a lover of nature who spent a great deal of his time on walks in the country. Over time the work has become one of the most popular of Beethoven's symphonies and was animated in the 1940 Disney classic film Fantasia.

Two performances:
- Saturday, May 18, 7pm at South Whidbey High School Performing Arts Center
- Sunday, May 19, 2pm at Oak Harbor High School Performing Arts Center

About Saratoga Orchestra of Whidbey Island

Whidbey's Saratoga Orchestra formed as an expansion of the Saratoga Chamber Players founded by Whidbey Island's legendary violinist and arts supporter, Michael Nutt. Previously known as Saratoga Chamber Orchestra, the name is derived from the beautiful Saratoga Passage that flanks the east side of Whidbey Island and the stand of trees known as the Saratoga Woods. In 2007, Legh W. Burns, Music Director Emeritus, began a regular concert series performing throughout the island for Whidbey audiences. Dr. Anna Edwards has led the orchestra as Music Director since 2015, and has brought national attention to the ensemble for its innovative programming championing women, BIPOC and underrepresented composers and hosting the highly esteemed Pacific Northwest Conducting Institute held each summer.

TEL: (360) 929-3045

http://www.sowhidbey.com