Former symphony conductor back for long-awaited show
Matthew Kraemer led his last concert as conductor of the Butler County Symphony Orchestra last year, but he will return to Butler to conduct music by a composer he had wanted to feature several years.
The symphony’s next show, Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 1, “Titan,” starts at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 2, in the auditorium at Butler Intermediate High School, and Kraemer will be its guest conductor.
Herb Nichol, marketing director for the symphony association, said the group was planning to do a Mahler show in 2020 because of Kraemer’s interest, but COVID-19 put it on hold.
Kraemer, who is now the musical director of the Louisiana Philharmonic, will help educate people who attend the show, in addition to entertaining them.
“At the concert, with his demeanor, he will address the audience and explain many of the things they're about to hear,” Nichol said. “It's definitely going to be entertaining and a learning experience for the audience.”
The symphony will also perform a piece by Daniel Perttu, professor of music theory and composition at Westminster College in New Wilmington. Perttu’s composition is titled “Valor.” Nichol said Valor will kick off the concert, and Perttu’s wife is expected to be in attendance.
Nichol also said Perttu’s piece fits the overall theme of Mahler’s Titan.
“It encompasses parts of being a hero like adapting and overcoming,” Nichol said. “You look at gallantry, bravery, courageousness and valor, all synonymous with Mahler.”
Joining the performance is Collegiate Concerto Competition winner and Slippery Rock University student Taylor Pastore, who will play “Ballade” by Albert Perilhou on the flute.
Additionally, five high school students will join the concert as part of the Side-by-Side Honors Symphony. The students include Gabrielle Boudreau and Will Tamburri from Pine-Richland High School, Zakk Boyer from Armstrong Jr./Sr. High School, Nate Deemer from Mars Area High School, and Ella West from Grove City High School.
Tickets in advance cost $30 for adults and $10 for children and students and are available at butlersymphony.org.
Tickets will also be available at the door for $35 for adults and $12 for children and students.
Nichol said the convergence of factors — from Kraemer’s return to the Side-by-Side performers to Pastore’s performance — should make the concert an event to remember.
“It's going to be a big night,” Nichol said.
