“To Rhode Island, with Love” Part 1.
On January 11, 2025, our Gilded Age Orchestra of Newport presented a program of music composed by Ambassador J. William Middendorf II at the Historic Park Theatre, in Cranston, Rhode Island. We recently wrote about the Ambassador’s music, and you can read that post here.
In this post, we explore the music presented in the first half of the program.
The Ocean State Symphony
Ambassador Middendorf composed the Ocean State Symphony and dedicated it to The Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame. The Symphony has three movements: Scarborough Beach, Bellevue Avenue, and the Fourth of July. It is the hope that this will become the new state song of Rhode Island!
Ocean State Symphony, Movement 1, Scarborough Beach excerpt
What did this performance mean to the members of the orchestra?
”I so enjoyed participating in The Gilded Age Orchestra of Newport concert in honor of Ambassador Middendorf’s 100th birthday. It was a true privilege to be part of the celebration of a great American and a creative composer. The ambassador’s music is delightful, and his artistic accomplishments complement the other impressive contributions he has made to America in the military and in diplomacy.”
- Ivan N. Kirschner, a violinist with the Gilded Age Orchestra of Newport
Ocean State Symphony, Movement 2, Bellevue Avenue excerpt
Ocean State Symphony, Movement 3, the Fourth of July excerpt
Violin Concerto in d minor
The first half of the program concluded with a violin concerto composed by Ambassador Middendorf. We welcomed violinist Greg Ayriyan as the soloist for the concerto.
Conductor and founder of Historic Music of Newport, Dr. Mark Stickney, had this to say about conducting the music: “This concerto and all of the music composed by Ambassador Middendorf was challenging and rewarding to conduct. I was able to spend a few months exploring the scores and my conversations with the Ambassador played a huge role helping me bring this music to life.”
Violin Concerto in d minor, Movement 1, Allegro Appassionato excerpt
The concerto was once performed by the Cambridge Orchestra in London. After the performance Ambassador Middendorf received this message:
“I listened to the Violin Concerto, and its spontaneous warmth and melodiousness are among its most pleasing qualities. Surely, you must be the first Secretary of the Navy to have composed a violin concerto! How fortunate we are that such a sensitive and responsible position in government is vested in a person of such great musical sensibility as yourself.”
The message was from world renowned violinist Yehudi Menuhin.
Violin Concerto in d minor, Movement 2, Andante Semplice excerpt
Violin Soloist Greg Ayriyan had this to say about performing the concert:
“I am deeply honored and grateful to have performed Ambassador J. William Middendorf’s violin concerto at his Centennial Celebration. Meeting him and realizing his profound historical significance—as a veteran, former ambassador, and member of President Reagan’s administration—made this experience even more meaningful. Playing a piece connected to someone who personally knew JFK and whose work was admired by Yehudi Menuhin was both inspiring and humbling. This performance, in a hall where my late father once played, with my family present, was one of the most enriching moments of my 40-year career. I extend my heartfelt thanks to the Gilded Age Orchestra of Newport as well as the Ambassador’s family, for entrusting me with this opportunity. I will always treasure this unforgettable experience."
Violin Concerto in d minor, Movement 3, Rondo-Vivace excerpt
Stay tuned for our post about the second half of this program!
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