Madison City Community Orchestra to present ‘Eroica’ on April 20-21
Madison City Community Orchestra will present its 2024 Spring Concert, “Eroica -- Symphony #3,” on two nights, April 20-21, at Madison United Methodist Church. CONTRIBUTED
Harvest, Huntsville, Madison, Madison County Record, Monrovia, News, Unincorporated Madison County, Z - News Main
 By  GreggParker Published 
12:18 pm Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Madison City Community Orchestra to present ‘Eroica’ on April 20-21

MADISON – Madison City Community Orchestra or MCCO members invite residents to an evening of classical music at its 2024 Spring Concert, Beethoven’s “Eroica — Symphony #3.”

MCCO will present the concert on April 20 at 7 p.m. and April 21 at 5 p.m. at Madison United Methodist Church, 127 Church St. The concert is free and appropriate for all ages.

“Eroica” means “heroic” in English.

“Inspiration for a concert comes from various forms: a historical event like MCCO’s upcoming summer concert that will be a tribute to D-Day’s 80th Anniversary or our fall 2023 concert about water,” Director Sandy Weisner said.

“As a little girl, every Saturday morning my mother put on the record player famous composers’ works while my siblings and I did our chores — powerful works by Dvorak, Mendelsohn, Mozart and, of course, Beethoven,” Weisner said. MCCO’S capabilities have expanded significantly, and Weisner wanted to challenge the orchestra with this great masterpiece, “Eroica.”

“Eroica is probably the most moving piece of music that Beethoven ever wrote – at least to that little girl,” Weisner said.

MCCO’S horn section includes Allison Edgecomb, Claire Handley, Jacob Jackson, James Lake, Daniel McFall, Michael Miles and Robert Price. Other concert soloists will be Sue Kula, flute; McKynzie Perry, oboe; and George Smith, bassoon.

When Beethoven started composing “Eroica,” his hearing was failing. He wrote, “I know it’ going to be really terrible . . . but I’m going to stay alive for my art.” “MCCO is happy Beethoven had the strength of spirit to continue composing, despite his deafness,” Weisner said.

Beethoven wrote “Eroica” for Napoleon, whom Beethoven revered for anti-monarchical ideals of the French Revolution, Weisner said. When Beethoven learned that Napolean had declared himself Emperor, he was violently angry.

“Eroica” debuted in a private performance in 1804.

Historians consider ‘Eroica’ as the first Romantic symphony. For Romanticism, grand orchestras embellished the Classical period with more expressive music, Weisner said.

“MCCO will have a wonderful trio section in the third movement that features our horn section. It’s bold and loud. We can’t wait until you hear it,” Weisner said.

The second movement displays great emotional range . . . misery of the funeral march to happier, major-key episodes, Weisner said. The finale features a lengthy set of variations and a fugue.

“Personally, I think God gave Beethoven such a remarkable talent that even (deafness) didn’t hinder his gift — only enhanced it,” Weisner said. “Eroica” is Beethoven’s favorite symphony.

For more information, email director@mccorchestra.org or visit mccorchestra.org.

Also on The Madison Record
Tri-agency traffic enforcement targets speeders on I-565
Madison County Record, News, The Madison Recor, ...
By STAFF REPORTS 
July 16, 2025
MADISON  – In a united front to crack down on excessive speeding, the Huntsville Police Department (HPD), Madison County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) and t...
Local athletes set for North-South battles
A: Main, Madison County Record, News, ...
Bob Labbe 
July 16, 2025
MADISON - Some of the top rising senior high school athletes are about to invade the Alabama Capitol City of Montgomery July 21-25 for the 29th annual...
NASA, Orion to host Marshall’s 65th anniversary celebration this Saturday
A: Main, Events, Madison County Record, ...
Staff Reports 
July 16, 2025
HUNTSVILLE - NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center is inviting the community to help celebrate the center’s 65th anniversary during a free public event ...
Chamber needs nominations for ‘Military Family of the Year’
A: Main, Business, Events, ...
Gregg Parker 
July 16, 2025
MADISON – Madison Chamber of Commerce is encouraging residents to identify a family who has upheld a strong commitment to country and community. The c...
ADOC: Health care worker tried to smuggle meth, narcotics into correctional facility
Madison County Record, News, The Madison Recor, ...
Staff Reports 
July 16, 2025
LIMESTONE COUNTY - A health care employee was arrested Friday for allegedly attempting to transport almost 200 grams of methamphetamine and other narc...
Central Office values Becky Tucker as ‘Staff Member of the Year’
Madison County Record, News, Schools, ...
Gregg Parker 
July 16, 2025
MADISON – Becky Turner doesn’t get hung up on labels. No matter her job title, Tucker feels called to be a servant leader. Her colleagues at Central O...
Brett Burgess named ‘Teacher of the Year’ at James Clemens
Madison County Record, News, Schools, ...
Gregg Parker 
July 16, 2025
MADISON – Brett Burgess wanted to work in Madison City Schools for association with the best in his field, both academic and coaching. James Clemens H...
Olivia Skillern named James Clemens theatre department’s artistic director
Bob Jones High School, Madison, Madison County Record, ...
Gregg Parker 
July 16, 2025
MADISON – For Olivia Skillern, it’s ‘as if I never said goodbye’ (to quote a line from “Sunset Boulevard”). With her new job in the Theatre Department...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Our Latest E-edition
Latest Stories
YUM! Spicy yet savory poppers
MADISON - Your guests won’t be able to have just one of these sweet and savory poppers. With a touch of heat from the cayenne pepper, and sweetness fr...
July 16, 2025
poll