Reviews

This weekend, Monterey Symphony Music Director Jayce Ogren conducts the world premiere of composer-in-residence John Wineglass's Big Sur piece, "Sacred Land: Concerto for Violin and Orchestra." Ogren concludes his inaugural season with Maurice Ravel's "Daphnis et Chloé," the second work on this program.

Wineglass, an Emmy Award-winning artist, fell in love with Monterey County's wild south coast after moving to the Peninsula from New York City 18 years ago.  The spirit of the land profoundly affected him and bonded him to its rugged majesty. His long-awaited concerto draws its inspiration from the elemental music of nature, the struggles and resilience of the native Esselen tribe, and the sacred waters at the land's edge.

In 2016, Wineglass composed "Big Sur: The Night Sun," an extraordinary symphonic work that showcased a gigantic drum fashioned from a redwood tree.  "Sacred Land: Concerto for Violin and Orchestra" continues his Big Sur theme and features internationally acclaimed violinist Edwin Huizinga, a fellow Big Sur devotee.  The concerto was commissioned by the Monterey Symphony with support from the Big Sur Land Trust.

The concerto opens with music reflecting the quest to shine light on injustices suffered by the Esselen and all the Native people of the Central Coast. The first two movements focus on this theme. The third movement, Sacred Waters, is dedicated to the memory of Lana Weeks, the director of community stewardship at Big Sur Land Trust from 2004 to 2015. She collaborated with artists and created camps that brought young people together for shared experiences of art and nature in the wild spaces of Glen Deven Ranch.

Among her many artistic contributions to the region, Weeks introduced Wineglass and Huizinga at the Glen Deven, where they bonded over a spectacular three-hour sunset and a bottle of wine. Wineglass says the haunting violin theme came to him when he first set foot on the land, music that is heard predominantly in the first movement.

The final movement, We Shall Remain, honors the Esselen tribe's strength and endurance.

In recent years, he has spent time with members of the tribe, especially with chairman Tom Little Bear Nason, who will offer a special prayer before the concerto begins.

"The Symphony is honored to present this world premiere," says the organization's President and CEO Nicola Reilly.   "This piece has been so many years in the making, with the first melodies existing even before 'Big Sur: The Night Sun.' This concert is a wonderful synthesis between multiple organizations and a perfect way to end the season."

Ogren describes the two works on the program as kaleidoscopic and arresting. "Ravel's Impressionist masterpiece, 'Daphnis et Chloé,' features one of the most thrilling and hair-raising endings in the entire repertoire."

Performances take place at Carmel's Sunset Center on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. For tickets and information see www.montereysymphony.org or call 831-646-8511.