Overture, con brio
Saturday, April 11th at 8pm

Overture, con brio marks the very first concert of Empire City Arts, launching a new orchestral chamber ensemble built around bold programming, collaboration, and the thrill of live music in New York City.

Led by conductor Derek Weagle, the evening begins with Percy Grainger’s electrifying Molly on the Shore, a whirlwind of Irish folk melodies bursting with rhythmic energy. Eli Parrish takes the podium for Arthur Honegger’s Pastorale d’Été, a luminous orchestral miniature that paints the warmth and quiet shimmer of a summer afternoon.

The program also features Forbidden Dances by contemporary composer Arson Fahim, bringing a vivid modern voice and striking rhythmic drive to the stage.

The night culminates in Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 4, “Italian,” inspired by the composer’s travels through Italy and overflowing with sunshine, motion, and exuberant orchestral color.

Join us as Empire City Arts takes the stage for the very first time, launching a new musical venture and celebrating the excitement of orchestral music shared live.