etting the Orchestra Ablaze S New Piece at WSO Tells Story of Gaspee Burning

Fans of the Warwick Symphony Orchestra can expect a fiery performance at the Gamm Theatre on June 2, as the WSO premiers The Burning of the Gaspee, an original composition by Rhode Island native Ben Nacar. The roughly ten minute piece is a ‘tone poem,’ using musical motifs to relate the story of the burning of the HMS Gaspee in shallow waters off the coast of Warwick in 1772. This will be the first performance of the composition by a full orchestra, although Nacar has released an animated music video featuring himself at the piano. The accompanying animations help to indicate which portions of the piece signify which elements of the historical narrative, from the rollicking, seafaring theme used to represent the chase between Gaspee and the packet ship Hannah to the dramatic flourish played as the ship burns, which evokes Francis Scott Key in order to hint towards the role the burned ship would play in the birth of the United States.

Nacar, a graduate of Brown University, has performed his work throughout Rhode Island; he has found particular success with his original piano transcriptions of orchestral works by Mozart, Dvorak, and Dukas. Previous original compositions include his “Bruin Overture,” (dedicated to the mascot of his alma mater) and a “Dodecatet” (a piece written for twelve instruments).

Besides Nacar, the June 2 concert will feature a robust program, including classic composers like Beethoven and Mendelssohn, film favorites, and a selection of contemporary pieces.

General admission is $15 and tickets can be purchased from: (401) 723-4266.