Pianist Arthur Tollefson will return to join the Beaufort Symphony Orchestra in a performance of Robert Schumann’s Piano Concerto at the USCB Center for the Arts on Thursday, February 28 at 7:30 p.m. and a Sunday Matinee, March 3, at 3 p.m. He and Music Director Federick Devyatkin have formed a close bond over the past decade, delighting concertgoers, while interpreting music for piano and orchestra together with the orchestra.  In addition to the concerto, the orchestra will perform Brahms’ Symphony #2.

Mr. Tollefson, a resident of Callawassie, is a busy musician in the Beaufort County area. He has frequently appeared as a recitalist and also as an accompanist for the Sea Island Chamber Singers.

Robert Schumann was born in Germany in 1810,  23 years before his countryman, Johannes Brahms.  Both men were strongly influenced by the music of Ludwig van Beethoven, also a native of Germany. These three composers, all born in Germany, were giants of the mid-19th century musical world. While Schumann looked ahead, firmly embracing the Romantic Period, Brahms preferred the musical form of the Classical Era, that of Beethoven.

Schumann is considered to be one of the most celebrated composers of the Romantic Era. He wrote four symphonies and many works for the keyboard.

In addition to Brahms’ four symphonies, he composed the German Requiem. Despite the joy he found in writing music, he worked on his first symphony for 20 years before its completion in 1876. However, his Symphony #2 in D Major was written in just over a year. The audience will delight in hearing this work of lovely melodies spun from a few simple themes.  The mood of its four movements, whether fast or slow, can be described as gentle, kind, optimistic, and filled with inner peace which falls beautifully on the ear.

Tickets are $37.50 for Thursday Evening and Sunday Matinee. Youth through high school, $5. For ticketing, call 800-595-4TIX (4849) or visit www.beaufortorchestra.org.
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