Drums, Drums, Drums! WashMetPhil opens its 53rd season on Oct. 6th at 3 pm. Come hear a journey of “Fantastical Explorations!”

Once again, this accomplished orchestra performs a program celebrating living composers while blending in classical repertoire and including a work by a female composer. Music Director ANNA BINNEWEG conducts the Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic in the first concert of its 53rd innovative and uplifting season. SCOTT CHRISTIAN and GLENN PAULSON are the fabulous guest timpanists.

While any drum enthusiast will say the concert highlight will be PHILIP GLASS’s “Concerto Fantasy”, the program offers a rich musical exploration, listed below.
• DAI WEI’s The Dancing Moonlight fuses traditional Chinese music with Western orchestration, blending two musical worlds seamlessly.
• PHILIP GLASS’s “Concerto Fantasy for Two Timpanists” puts two drummers in the spotlight, with a massive setup of 14 timpani for a powerful percussion experience. Glass’s approach in the concerto uses rhythmic loops and evolving patterns.
• LEOŠ JANÁČEK’s “Symphonic Fantasy from Jenůfa” weaves in folk influences from his Czech heritage, giving the music a strong cultural resonance.
• JOSEF SUK’s “Scherzo Fantastique” is a playful and imaginative piece, blending humor and mystery with colorful orchestration for a fresh, engaging experience.

Following the concert, stay for the free “After Chat With Anna” and other performers.

For more information about the WMPA, our TWO youth orchestras, our Summer Sunday Chamber Music series at the Lyceum or our bi-lingual children’s story concerts, go to WMPAMUSIC.ORG WMPA is a 501 c (3) organization dedicated to bringing high-quality innovative and classical live music to the greater Alexandria community.