Events
August 24, 2011
Hear Emory's symphony orchestra on WABE 90.1 FM
Emory composer and conductor Richard Prior. (Photo by Mark Teague)
Tune in to WABE 90.1 FM to hear the Emory University Symphony Orchestra in the premiere performance of Emory composer and conductor Richard Prior's "Symphony No. 3." The concert will air on Monday, Aug. 29 at 9 p.m., during "The Atlanta Music Scene," hosted by WABE's Robert Hubert.
Originally recorded this spring, on March 3, the symphony is cast in three movements, combining Romantic exuberance with dark lyricism. Scored for a large orchestra of triple woodwinds, brass, percussion, two harps and strings, a number of parts were written for specific Emory students within the 100-member ensemble. The March concert also featured the winners of the 2010-2011 EUSO Concerto Competition, Kevin May and Vijay Balakrishnan in a clarinet duo, and the symphonic poem "Finlandia" by composer Jean Sibelius.
Prior has written a variety of well-received choral, chamber and orchestral works. He is the conductor of the Emory Youth Symphony Orchestra, the Rome (Ga.) Symphony Orchestra and appears as a guest conductor with orchestras regionally and internationally.
Since 2004, he has served as the director of orchestral studies at Emory, where he holds the Edward Goodwin Scruggs Chair and also teaches composition. He was a 2010 recipient of the Winship Faculty Award, a University Research Council grant and a 2011 Crystal Apple Award presented to faculty by their students in recognition of exceptional teaching.
