“Music Reframed: Pictures at an Exhibition” at Temple Theatre

Saginaw Bay Symphony Orchestra at the Temple Theatre with special guest Kebra-Seyoun Charles
Last night at the Temple Theatre, I attended a performance that offered a fresh and exciting perspective on classical music. The event, titled Music Reframed: Pictures at an Exhibition, included a mix of original compositions and a well-known classic, all brought to life by the talented Saginaw Bay Symphony Orchestra. Featuring composer Kebra-Seyoun Charles and conductor Fouad Fakhouri, the program was a unique exploration of different musical genres and styles. 

The evening began with an orchestral arrangement of a piece originally written for solo piano named Alborada del Gracioso by Maurice Ravel. The transition from piano to orchestra was smooth and set a thoughtful tone for the night. 

The first original composition of the evening, Nightlife, was composed and performed by Kebra-Seyoun Charles on double bass. The piece is split into two parts: I. in the streets and II. in the club. As a cellist myself, I really enjoyed watching Charles play the double bass. His style was strikingly similar to how I would approach the cello, particularly in his use of higher notes and complex rhythms. The music also incorporated elements from jazz, blues, gospel, and house music, which made it stand out. One moment that caught my attention was when the string players tapped their bows against their instruments to create a rhythmic slap sound, while other parts of the piece included clapping, stomping, and whistling that made you feel like you were right in the middle of a dance party. Charles’s performance was as expressive as his music, and his personal style only added to the impact of the piece. 

Next, we heard Trance, a piece composed by Fouad Fakhouri, the evening’s conductor. Inspired by his love for EDM in his youth, Fakhouri aimed to capture the energy and excitement of dance music. Trance was full of tension building, driving rhythms, and vibrant melodies, giving the feeling of a night out. You could really feel the joy and energy Fakhouri wanted to convey, which made it one of the most engaging pieces of the night. 

During intermission, it was clear by the buzz that many in the audience were enjoying the performance. There was a lot of positive energy in the room, and many people commented on how unique and exciting the concert had been. 

The second half of the evening featured Pictures at an Exhibition by Modest Mussorgsky. This classic work, which explores different paintings through music, was accompanied by a visual presentation of the paintings themselves, projected on a screen for the audience to see. As someone who has recently taken up oil painting and enjoys songwriting, I found it interesting to think about how I might match music with my own artwork. Mussorgsky’s piece really made me consider how different paintings could sound through music, which added a new layer to the experience. 

Overall, Music Reframed was an incredibly enjoyable evening that showcased the creativity and talent of both the Saginaw Bay Symphony Orchestra and the composers. From the unique blend of genres in Charles’s Nightlife to the youthful energy of Fakhouri’s Trance, it was clear that the orchestra had pushed the boundaries of traditional classical music. It was a memorable night that left me feeling inspired by the endless possibilities of music.