3/7/2006 Houston- Maggini String Orchestra's Voices of Angel concert is coming to Houston Hobby Center this Saturday, March 11, 8pm. The concert is filled with celestial moments in music, from Italian film music to Barber's beloved Adagio, and Copland's famous Appalachian Spring. Conductor Marlon Chen has put in a new arrangement for this performance. He wants to gather the entire community to enjoy a night of classical music.

Maggini String Orchestra, a new string ensemble headed by present and former Rice University musicians, gives the music community a new perspective. Maggini's modern-instrument sound was full yet pliable throughout last year's performance here in Houston. Conductor, Marlon Chen, added zip to energetic passages but gave players the freedom for more flexible phrasing during introspective music. Maggini comprises 11 string players. Many are based on the West Coast; some are past or present students at Rice's Shepherd School of Music. Below is a list of pieces that will be performed:

  • Ennio Morricone-- Once upon a time In the West.

  • Mozart-- Piano concerto #21 Andante

  • Morricone-- Music from the "Mission" Gabriel's Oboe

  • Samuel Barber-- Sure on this Shining Night (song)

  • Gabriel Faure-- The Roses of Ispahan (song)

  • Barber-- Adagio for strings

  • Aaron Copland-- Appalachian Spring Original ballet music for 13 instruments

Performance to be held at the Houston Hobby Center, Saturday, March 11, 8pm. Visit www.thehobbycenter.org or call 713-315-2525 to purchase tickets. You can also view last year's Maggini String Orchestra "Death the Maiden" performance review.