Washington Post: Ross Emphasizes the New and the Forgotten with Alexandria Symphony

Posted Nov 29, 2018 | ASO News, Reviews, 

James Ross is already making a mark as the new music director of the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra. Known for innovative programming with the University of Maryland Symphony Orchestra and the National Orchestral Institute, Ross is infusing new energy into the ensemble for its 75th season. His latest program, heard on Saturday night at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall, had a first half devoted entirely to American composers and also put a spotlight on music by women.

The marquee event was the world premiere of a new Cello Concerto by Washington composer Jessica Krash. Written for a small orchestra of limited strings and single woodwinds, horn and trumpet, the piece is a vivid series of fantasy landscapes limned with canny economy. Bluesy turns and hints of Latin rhythms dot the texture, with especially wistful melodic writing in the slow movement.

To read the original article published November 4, 2018 in the Washington Post, click here.