Alitalia

Alitalia was the name of Italy’s premier airline for 75 years. We borrow it here because all three composers on this program owed a creative debt to the culture and vibrancy of that wonderful country.

In a letter written to Sibelius in 1901, Baron Carpelan strongly encourages his fellow Finn to go abroad:  "You have been sitting at home for quite a while, Mr. Sibelius, it is high time for you to travel. You will spend the winter in Italy, a country where one learns cantabile, balance and harmony. You remember what Italy meant for Tchaikovsky’s development and for Richard Strauss."

The lure of Italy to those who live in cold Northern Europe cannot be understated. Composer after composer went south and brought back their musical memories of that country of sunshine and warmth, of folksong and dance, and of landscapes from seaside to mountain.

For Strauss it was about finding external inspiration like the story of Till Eulenspiegel; for Tchaikovsky, it was exposure to folk tunes he heard on the streets of Florence; and for Sibelius, it was where he jotted down the first ideas that would become his Second Symphony. All thanks to Italy…

Strauss, R.:  Till Eulenspiegel

Tchaikovsky:  Capriccio Italien

Sibelius: Symphony No. 2

ALITALIA is made possible in part with funds from the New York State Legislature and administered by Arts Mid-Hudson. 

TICKET INFORMATION: PLEASE REVIEW BEFORE PURCHASE

• Tickets will be either sent in the MAIL or held at WILL CALL on concert day. Please specify the preferred method at checkout.

• Tickets cannot be sent via e-mail.

• Online ticket sales will not be available after 7PM the evening prior to the concert. 

• Tickets can be purchased at the Box Office the day of the performance. 

• Children under the age of 5 are not permitted in the Balcony.

• Free admission for children and students ages 18 and below are in our open seating area only. Student tickets will not be mailed. but will be available at the WILL CALL desk. Please show valid current Student ID.

• Tickets ordered 14 days or fewer prior to the concert will NOT be mailed, but they will be held at WILL CALL for pickup on the day of the concert. 

ACCESSIBILITY

NOTE: Seating in the Balcony is not Handicap Accessible. 

Need to arrange for assistance on concert day? Email gnso@newburghsymphony.org by one week prior to the day of the concert. Thank you. 

Greater Newburgh Symphony Orchestra is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit.  All donations are tax deductible. Ticket purchases are not considered donations.