The Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle – Light Shines Out of Darkness

Renowned for its artistic excellence, remarkable versatility of musical styles, and adventurous programming, The COT is a dynamic orchestral ensemble of 40+ musicians hailing from all parts of North Carolina. Led by Artistic Director and Conductor Lorenzo Muti, The COT presents six concerts a year, often featuring classical music’s foremost up and coming talents. Today it is considered one of the finest professional ensembles in North Carolina and the Southeast.

G. Rossini – String Sonata No.5
W.A. Mozart – Wind Serenade in c minor
M. Weinberg – Chamber Symphony No.2

Light Shines out of Darkness is a program of musical extremes. When listening to Rossini’s music, one cannot help but feel the warmth of the Mediterranean sun shining down on scenes bursting with life. With its lush and playful melodies, the String Sonata No.5 evokes just that.

Nicknamed “Nacht Musik” (Night Music), the Serenade in c minor is the moment in which Mozart turned the historically frivolous genre of the wind serenade into a serious medium. Written for only eight players, this work takes on symphonic qualities by exploring a plethora of colors and emotions.

When it came to Soviet Russia, Mieczysław Weinberg had it even worse off than his compatriot and best friend Shostakovich since he was a Jew. His Chamber Symphony No.2 is an example of how poetry and lyricism can emerge from the darkest and most introverted of musical languages.

St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church

Each year, The COT reduces its ranks for a concert at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Durham. With its stunning stained-glass windows and superb acoustics, St. Stephen’s provides the ideal intimate concert setting.

This concert is somewhat of a homecoming for The COT, since the orchestra was founded as the St. Stephen’s Chamber Orchestra over 35 years ago by violist George Taylor.