The Summerville Orchestra will welcome acclaimed Brazilian violinist Thierry de Lucas Neves as guest concertmaster and soloist for its Season 23 opening concert, “Music of a New America,” on Sept. 25 at 7:30 p.m. and Sept. 26 at 3 p.m. at the Summers Corner Performing Arts Center.
De Lucas Neves will serve as guest concertmaster for the program and will step forward as soloist in Rebecca Dale’s “Soay,” a lush and lyrical work for solo violin and orchestra based on a traditional melody from the Scottish island of St Kilda.
Based on a traditional melody from the island of St Kilda, this piece celebrates the enduring role of folk music in shaping both American classical music and the popular traditions that followed. Beneath its beauty lies something deeply familiar: the idea that music passed from generation to generation can become the cultural heartbeat of an entire people.
Born in Goiânia, Brazil, de Lucas Neves has established an accomplished career as a soloist and orchestral musician. He has performed as a soloist with orchestras including the Goiás Youth Symphony Orchestra, Goyazes Chamber Orchestra, Goiânia Symphony Orchestra, Goiás Philharmonic and UFRJ Symphony Orchestra. He has also served as concertmaster of several ensembles in Brazil.
In the United States, de Lucas Neves has performed with the New Jersey Symphony as a Colton Orchestral Fellow and is a member of Sphinx Virtuosi, an ensemble of leading Black and Latinx classical musicians dedicated to transforming the face of classical music. He studied at the Manhattan School of Music through the Zukerman Program with renowned violinists Pinchas Zukerman and Patinka Kopec.
De Lucas Neves won several competitions including Curitiba Festival in 2011, Paulo Bosísio in 2009, Young Soloist of Goias philharmonic (2014), Young Soloists of UFRJ (2015), recently received the Achievement Award at the 25th annual Sphinx Competition.
“To have Thierry in Summerville as a guest artist is truly a gift,” Wojciech Milewski, Music Director for the Summerville Orchestra shared. “He is not only a world-class musician, but also deeply passionate about bringing lost melodies and composers to life, which is mirrored in his own projects and upcoming recordings. This collaboration couldn’t be more perfect. We are so excited about the impact Thierry will have not only through rehearsals and performances, but also through various levels of outreach in the community. We cannot wait to welcome him into our community!”
“Music of a New America” will also feature John Williams’ “Raiders March”, Carl Maria von Weber’s Overture to Der Freischütz, and William Grant Still’s Symphony No. 2, “Song of a New Race.” Together, the works explore the ways different musical traditions, voices and histories have shaped the American musical landscape.
Tickets for “Music of a New America” are $30 for a single concert, with season passes available for $115 and a Pick-3 for $75.
For tickets and more information, visit Summerville Orchestra or call 843-873-5339.