Weill Hall to host range of works

Members of the Santa Rosa Symphony’s Orchestra. (BETH SCHLANKER/ The Press Democrat)

When the Santa Rosa Symphony opens its inaugural season at Weill Hall this weekend, the orchestra will be testing the range of their new home with works that span the 18th, 19th and 21st century.

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“What I tried to do this season was to explore the new, acoustic capacities of the hall,” said Music Director Bruno Ferrandis. “I’m testing the hall, like I would test an instrument.”

The eclectic program, centered on a world premiere by Bay Area composer Edmund Campion, offers a little bit of everything: Big sound (Mahler’s Symphony No. 1), a blend of electronic and acoustic sound (the world premiere) and a work symbolizing initiation (Mozart’s Overture to “The Magic Flute,” inspired by the rites of the Masonic order.)

The operatic overture will mark the sacred ritual of the orchestra stepping over the threshold into a new hall and a new era.

“This is a big moment for me and for us,” Ferrandis said. “If we are good in that moment, the future will look promising …if we aren’t, we are in trouble, because of all that is at stake.”

Those who enjoy the ritual of live music will have plenty to savor this season. During their seven-concert Classical Season, Ferrandis has woven together a wide range of cutting-edge contemporary music and appealing classics.

“There’s plenty of offerings for everyone, and great soloists,” Ferrandis said. “Everyone is really psyched.”

Kronos Quartet

The conductor is particularly excited to open the season alongside the Bay Area’s own Kronos Quartet, who will perform Campion’s Concerto for String Quartet, Orchestra and Electronics, “The Last Internal Combustion Engine,” with the symphony this weekend.

“We are incredibly lucky to have them,” he said. “They are the most famous quartet performing the contemporary repertoire in the world.”