Photographer Shervin Lainez
Brooklyn-based conductor, Eric Jacobsen, returns to Oregon Bach Festival this summer to lead more than 100 musicians in Richard Strauss’ An Alpine Symphony. The work details the journey through the dramatic terrain of Europe’s grand mountain range. Twenty two movements depict an 11-hour trek with rocky summits, waterfalls, a hunting party, a violent storm, and a triumphal return.
Oregon Bach Festival presents An Alpine Symphony
“A work like this is a masterpiece and celebration of human achievement in so many ways,” Eric said. “Yes, the human achievement of writing an intricate, spectacular, wonderous piece, but also the athleticism and musicianship of everyone on stage. It takes more than 100 musicians to come together with such dedication, devotion, and energy.”
Dubbed an “interpretive dynamo” by The New York Times, Eric is a cellist and conductor. He graduated from The Juilliard School and is currently the artistic director and co-founder of The Knights, an NYC-based chamber orchestra. He is also the music director of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra and the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. He is married to Grammy-winner singer-songwriter Aoife O’Donovan and they have a five-year-old daughter, Ivy Jo.
Back in Eugene for OBF after conducting Bach’s St. John Passion last year, he is eager to present An Alpine Symphony, which he calls one of the pillars of Western classical music. “It is a great achievement for any orchestra to perform it,” he said.
He is thrilled to conduct a piece destined to bring artistry, musicianship, and joy to the audience. “I’m convinced this program will be a beautiful memory for all of us,” Eric said. “There is no question people will be moved by the beauty of the live performance.” You can attend An Alpine Symphony at Silva Concert Hall on July 13 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased here. Join a pre-concert lecture at 6:45 in The Studio at the Hult Center.