Artist Spotlight: Audrey Wright
We are so delighted to have Audrey Wright join us for the Four Seasons Mixtape this upcoming November 1 & 2! We were able to chat with her and ask her thoughts on the unique concert format, and learn more about some of her upcoming projects.
Have you performed Vivaldi’s Four Seasons before, and how does this concert’s interpretation differ from a traditional performance of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons?
Yes, I have performed Vivaldi’s complete Four Seasons previously with the Baltimore Chamber Orchestra, where I am concertmaster, and have performed individual seasons from the complete work in other settings. What I find so amazing about this work is that each individual movement is its own mini masterpiece within the greater whole. The nature of Vivaldi’s writing encourages the violin soloist to be inventive with their interpretation, and for me, no two performances of this music are exactly the same. Because of this, it feels totally appropriate to rework the traditional Four Seasons into this fabulous Mixtape of wildly different styles. The connective tissue between the four works I am performing with the Modesto Symphony can be found when we examine each composer’s unique musical language and programmatic approach to composing their respective seasons. The wonderful challenge for me is in bringing out these distinct compositional voices across all four pieces, while using my own sound and artistic voice to tie them together.
What has been your experience while preparing these pieces? Are there any parts that are particularly exciting or challenging to play and show to the audience?
I love performing music of contrasting styles on a single program, so being able to dive into the juxtaposition between the fiery Baroque of Vivaldi, the minimalist modernism of Richter, the lush romanticism of Ysaÿe, and the sensual tango of Piazzolla all in this one concert is both right up my alley and also the biggest challenge. I often think that what we do as performing musicians is akin to acting, so I try to really embody the different characters of each piece to transport the audience.
Any upcoming performances/projects are you looking forward to?
In addition to a very exciting season ahead as a full time violinist in the New York Philharmonic, I am also looking forward to this season with the Baltimore Chamber Orchestra, where I will actually perform Piazzolla’s entire Four Seasons of Buenos Aires with the orchestra in May 2025. Additionally, I am thrilled to have multiple upcoming performances this season of my co-created collaborative performance of sound and light, Luminous Being, along with my husband and creative partner, artist Geoff Robertson. Info about all of these performances can be found on my website at www.audreywrightviolin.com!
Why do you believe the Symphony or live performances are still relevant and important to attend?
I believe attending live performances at the Symphony and elsewhere are relevant today more than ever. We live in a fast-paced and chaotic world that exists more and more in distorted and all-consuming online spaces. To be able to come together in-person to experience the power of live music, even for just an hour or two, is the greatest opportunity we have in this day and age for collective understanding and reflection.
Come listen to Audrey play alongside the Modesto Symphony Orchestra at The Four Seasons Mixtape on November 1 & 2 at the Gallo Center for the Arts!
