<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=21ck9T_0wPo4CuX00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=21ck9T_0wPo4CuX00" width="1440" height="959" ><figcaption>Internationally renowned musician/teacher Octavio Más-Arocas will conduct The Syracuse Orchestra’s Spark concert on Nov. 2 at Inspiration Hall. Known as a versatile and dynamic conductor, he has many connections to the music community of Central New York. Photo courtesy of Renaissance Theater. (Renaissance Theater /Provided photo)</figcaption></figure>Octavio Más-Arocas, director of orchestras at the Michigan State University College of Music, will conduct The Syracuse Orchestra on Saturday, Nov. 2 for its first Spark series concert of the season.A native of Spain, Más-Arocas has ties to Central New York, having previously served as director of orchestras at Ithaca College, music director of the Clinton Symphony, and guest conductor for other area orchestras and ensembles.“I love New York State, especially the central region,” Más-Arocas said. “I have conducted in the area and have so many friends around that it is always a great warm feeling to come back. When we lived in the area, we enjoyed taking the kids to explore the MOST and other museums and attractions of the city.”“Music By Candlelight” will be performed in the glow of hundreds of candles illuminating Inspiration Hall on James Street, where themed food and beverages will be available.The professional musicians of TSO will perform a program of light classics including Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s (1756 - 1791) “Eine kleine nactmusik,” or “A Little Night Music,” the composer’s 13th serenade completed in 1787. The four-movement piece, among the most-often performed orchestral works, was prominently featured in the 1984 Oscar-winning movie “Amadeus.”Also programmed are “Skater’s Waltz,” by Émile Waldteufel (1837 - 1915), “Peer Gynt Suite,” by Edvard Grieg (1843 - 1907) and Overture in C major, by Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel (1805-1847).Less well known than her younger brother, Felix, Mendelssohn-Hensel wrote piano music, oratorios and cantatas, mostly for the salons that were popular in the early 19th century. This is her only known work for orchestra alone.TSO violinist Sonya Stith Williams said, “I have really come to appreciate Fanny’s compositions, and I’m certain the audience is going to enjoy this overture.”Más-Arocas said he thinks the selections are perfect for the venue’s intimate setting.“We will hear some of the most charming, beautiful, and exciting pieces written for orchestra,” he said. “The audience will immediately recognize the works by Mozart, Grieg and Waldteufel, which have been used in movies, radio, stage and screen shows. The last movement of the Grieg, with its spooky themes, is especially appropriate this time of year; it has been used in more than one Halloween playlist.Some of Más-Arocas’ many teaching and conducting appointments include: Filarmonica George Enescu in Romania; the Orquesta de Valencia and Granada City Orchestra in Spain; the Leipziger Symphonieorchester in Germany; the Orquestra Sinfônica da Unicamp in Brazil; the Green Bay, Traverse City, Bluewater, Catskill, Clinton, Fort Worth, Spokane, Toledo, Phoenix, Memphis, Kansas City, and San Antonio Symphonies; the National Repertory Orchestra; the Manhattan School of Music Symphony, and the Interlochen Philharmonic.His prominent awards include the Robert J. Harth Conducting Prize at the Aspen Music Festival; the Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy Award, given by Kurt Masur; the Thelma A. Robinson Award from the Conductors Guild, and the National Youth Orchestra of Spain Conductors Competition. He is an alumnus of the prestigious American Academy of Conducting at Aspen, where he studied with David Zinman.Anticipating working with The Syracuse Orchestra, Más-Arocas said:“When we share the experience of live musical performances, we get to leave burdensome things behind. We sit together and share that same moment, when a group of musicians magically produces exquisite sounds. All of us share that moment. The audience will absorb the experience as a whole, connecting with the music, as well as with the musicians and other audience members to create a unique and memorable time of unity and beauty.”<h2>THE DETAILS</h2>What: The Syracuse Orchestra Spark concert with guest conductor Octavio Más-Arocas.Where: Inspiration Hall, 709 James St.When: Saturday, Nov. 2 at 7 p.m.Tickets: $39 with $5 discount for senior citizens; students with ID, $5; under 18, always free.Parking: Free in parking lot and on street.</div></body>

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Syracuse Orchestra guest artist will conduct intimate Spark concert by candlelight

Octavio Más-Arocas, director of orchestras at the Michigan State University College of Music, will conduct The Syracuse Orchestra on Saturday, Nov. 2 for its first Spark series concert of the season. A native of Spain, Más-Arocas has ties to Central New York, having previously served as director of orchestras...