Free Symphony Concert Features Mahler and Mozart

The August Symphony Orchestra Performs Mahler and Mozart in Free Concert in Westfield The August Symphony Orchestra (TASO) will present its annual free concert on Sunday, July 28 at 2:00 pm at the First United Methodist Church in Westfield.

Under the baton of conductor Michael Avagliano, the orchestra will perform Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 1 in D major, and Mozart’s Oboe Concerto in C Major K 314, featuring soloist Nancy Vanderslice. Mahler’s captivating and dazzling first symphony in four movements takes listeners through a whirlwind of emotions. It concludes in a brilliant blaze of D major, banishing the storms and stress. Many consider this the most optimistic of Mahler’s completed symphonies and interpret the composer’s message to be that nature may triumph when man cannot. The orchestra will also perform Mozart’s concerto, featuring an exquisite oboe solo by Nancy Vanderslice, Principal Oboist for the Plainfield Symphony Orchestra and music instructor at Montclair State University.

“As a performer, I am most interested in enjoying myself and the musicians I work with and participating in a positive and memorable experience for the audience,” shares Nancy Vanderslice. “TASO is a highly respected group of musicians, and I am delighted for this opportunity to perform with them.” Michael Avagliano enjoys a multifaceted career as conductor, performer, and educator. He currently serves as music director for The August Symphony Orchestra, the Summit Symphony, the Central Jersey Symphony Orchestra and is on the faculty at Drew University. “The August Symphony Orchestra has been providing music enjoyment to the community for the past 19 years,” states Robert Whiteley, President of TASO. “We are proud to have Maestro Avagliano lead the orchestra and maintain our high standard of quality performance and musical works.”

The concert will be performed at 2:00 pm. at the First United Methodist Church, located at One East Broad Street in Westfield, N.J. It is an accessible, air conditioned facility with ample parking. The program is made possible in part by funds from the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and supported by donations from lovers of music and the arts.

About The August Symphony Orchestra
The August Symphony Orchestra (TASO) is a non-profit organization whose objective is to enrich the Garden State community by offering an accessible way for classical orchestral music to be performed, listened to, and appreciated by all. TASO’s mission is to maintain a high standard of quality and performance while bringing people together and upholding a spirit of accessibility, community, and mutual love for classical music. The orchestra welcomes and appreciates the financial support from the public as well as from local companies, financial institutions, and New Jersey state grant foundations. For further information please visit www.tasonj.org. Follow us on Facebook.