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EP Symphony Orchestra Powered by Wurlitzer.
It was a night of grandeur and nostalgia. The Plaza Theatre, which was once feared to be headed for the junk heap, instead fused the present with the past and now provides a most glamorous and regal setting for both musical and theatrical works of art.
But, this Friday night was even more special. The El Paso Symphony Orchestra incorporated one endearing relic from the past... the famous Plaza Theatre Wurlitzer Organ into the finale of a wondrous night of symphonic splendor.
 The stage was full of special guests: Navah Periman, piano; Wendy Warner, cello; Jennifer Frautschi, violin and Walter Stony, organ.
After three-quarters of a century the EPSO has raised the bar even further heading toward 100 years of lavish performances. With the acquisition of Maestra Sarah Ioannides, Conductor in 2005, the EPSO has encompassed a wider scope and vision.
It is nights like this one where the music of Beethoven and Saint-Saens made the luxurious setting of the Plaza Theatre an even more out of this world experience.
The Beethoven Concierto for Violin, Cello and Piano Opus 56, C major (Triple Concierto) was evenly paced and carefully moderated by Maestra Ioannides as she melded the superb performances by the three internationally renown soloist with the solid, vibrant and full-bodied sound of the EPSO.
After intermission, the Saint-Saens Symphony No. 3 Opus 78, C minor (Organ Symphony) carried the night as the EPSO laid a delicate weave of harmonic melodies which was perfect for the soul-stirring harmonies emanating from the old Wurlitzer which was played with power and reverence by Stony.
As the orchestra held the last note and then muted the beautiful sound; the full house was on its feet as the glorious backdrop of the Franklin Mountains shown upon the proud and stellar performers who bowed to the crowd.
A more complete review and photographic expose of the January EPSO concert may be read in the Spring Issue of the Upper Valley Living Magazine in full color and will be available FREE at area restaurants, shops and gyms in late March. It is also available Online and may be viewed @ UpperValleyToday.com (Subscriptions are always welcomed: Please support your community publications).
(Photos: Brax - Valley Publishing Company)
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Editor, Upper Valley Beacon
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