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The Topeka Symphony Orchestra organized theatrical concerts with the actors from Northeast Kansas and Missouri. This concert was themed “Ravel.”
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Robert Dameron, drama performer, plays the role of Maurice Ravel. The drama was written and directed by Alice Wiley Pickett.
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Aria Stuckenschmidt (left), drama performer in the role of young Maurice Ravel and Amelia Flores (right), drama performer in the role of Marie Ravel, performs their role in the concert. The concert took place from 7:30-9:30 p.m.
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Actors perform in their respective roles. This drama portrayed the entire life of Maurice Ravel, from his early years until his death.
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Kyle Wiley Pickett, conductor of the concert, guides the group throughout the concert. He said that this theatrical concert gives the audience a chance not only to enjoy the beautiful music of Maurice Ravel and his contemporaries Claude Debussy and George Gershwin, but also to gain insight into their lives.
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Actors bring their characters to life on stage. The audience showed their appreciation with a prolonged, cheering round of applause while standing.
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At the end of the concert, the entire orchestra stands and thanks the audience. Around 1000 spectators were present for this concert.
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The group of violinists perform during the concert. The Topeka Symphony Orchestra was held at White Concert hall.
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Wiley Pickett hands the conductor’s baton to Ravel when he signals to stop the music in the drama. The Topeka Symphony Orchestra will be organizing a concert, “Billy the Kid” on March 21.
On Saturday, Feb. 21, the Topeka Symphony Orchestra presented a theatrical concert titled “Ravel,” conducted by Alice Wiley Pickett and Kyle Wiley Pickett. Around 1000 spectators were present in White Concert Hall for this theatrical concert.
Kevin Burton, executive director of Topeka Symphony Orchestra, described that this concert explores both the music and the life of Maurice Ravel, one of the most renowned composers, known for his extensive body of work. Burton shared more things about the concert.
Kyle Wiley Pickett explained the rehearsal process for the orchestra.
“Those of us who are in the orchestra, we put these concerts together with nine hours of rehearsal,” Kyle Wiley Pickett said. “I mean that’s how much it takes. We do it over four days, two hour and 15 minute rehearsals. Theater works on a much longer schedule and actually always, you have lots of dress rehearsals.”
Robert Dameron, drama performer in the role of Maurice Ravel, described what it was like to perform the Bolero monologue while the orchestra played the piece behind him.
“I actually enjoy doing it a lot more than I thought I would,” Dameron said. “I like it more than the recording…But I definitely enjoyed doing them, because I feel like it gives me a good checkpoint throughout the show of knowing where I am and what kind of mood I need to be in. It’s useful.”
The Topeka Symphony Orchestra will host a concert, “Billy the Kid” on March 21 featuring classical works by Debussy, Copland and others. The Friends of the Topeka Symphony Gala is scheduled for Friday, March 27, at Topeka Country Club. More information about the gala is available on their website.
Edited by Anushma Dahal and Stuti Khadka
