The stirring overture to Weber’s comic opera Oberon opens with solo horn calls and uses high winds to depict important characters, a practice that had a profound influence on Wagner. Similarly, Joan Tower uses the low register of the flute to open her 1989 concerto, which features a giant tug-o-war between flute and chamber orchestra, climaxing in virtuosic flute arpeggios and scales.

Richard Strauss’s grand symphonic fantasy is a musical tour of Italy’s ancient ruins, bucolic countryside and the glory of its paintings, sculpture and music. Strauss harnesses the limitless power of the full orchestra and all the different instrumental colors to whisk the listener through the scenes of his journey.

Selections for the concert include Weber's "Overture to Oberon," Joan Tower's "Flute Concerto," and R. Strauss' "Aus Italien."

The concert will feature flutist David Buck under the direction of Fabio Luisi.