Expectations high for orchestra opener Satuday night at MAC

The Jacobs School of Music Philharmonic Orchestra will open its fall concert season Saturday with one of the most popular symphonies in the classical music world, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5.\nRenowned pianist André Watts will be the featured soloist in the “Emperor” Piano Concerto No. 5. Watts, a professor of music who joined the Jacobs School of Music faculty in 2004, has performed with the Philadelphia Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic, in addition to many other esteemed orchestras and conductors. \n“The season is opening with two great ‘Fifths,’” Music Theory Professor Robert Hatten said in an e-mail interview. “An all-Beethoven program will give students the opportunity to listen more deeply to works that they likely have heard ... but they may never have had a chance to fully comprehend them aesthetically, morally and spiritually. Hearing and comparing these works presented live by some of our best performers can be an electrifying experience.”\nMaestro David Effron, who is also a professor of music at Jacobs, will be taking the podium for this concert. Effron and Watts worked together on the Emperor Concerto last summer, and Effron said he is looking forward to tackling the piece again.\n“We’re both excited about doing it again. Any time you do something more than once, it’s going to grow and be a better performance,” he said.\nThe orchestra began rehearsals for the concert on Monday, and Effron said he was happy with their musical progress in such a short amount of time. \n“For me, in general, regardless of how much time I have, the essence of conducting really is how you rehearse,” he said. “If you’re a good rehearsal conductor, meaning if you know what points to make in the time you’re given for rehearsal ... there’s a correlation between that and the success of the concert, in my opinion.” \nHatten said there are various reasons why Beethoven’s music is so appealing to audiences around the world.\n“Rhythmically and gesturally, the first movement is filled with compressed energy that wants to explode,” Hatten said. “Its visceral movement captures listeners even if they have no formal knowledge of music.” \nBecause of the notoriety of the piece, attendees are encouraged to get to the Musical Arts Center early. The show begins at 8 p.m. and is free and open to the public.