Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, 7 P.M.

Buckley Recital Hall, Arms Music Center, Amherst College​

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Nino Rota helped define the musical aesthetic of 20th century Italian cinema as composer for directors such as Federico Fellini and Franco Zefferelli.  The Amherst Symphony Orchestra opens its second concert of the 2026-2027 with Rota's Love Theme from Zefferelli's classic Romeo and Juliet.  Rota's playful Bassoon Concerto for the concert stage follows, with Amherst College senior Henry Dizard as featured soloist.

Cinema Paradiso (1988), with a celebrated score by Rota's contemporary Ennio Morricone, captured hearts on both sides of the Atlantic with its theme of film as metaphor for life's ephemerality. The ASO performs its moving Love Theme.

Sergei Rachmaninoff, despite virtuosic prowess at the piano, faced near-debilitating insecurity as to his compositional abilities. This changed overnight with his Second Symphony in E minor, which was rapturously received at its 1908 premiere. Rachmaninoff's sumptuous Second brims with passion, affirming his stature as incomparable melodist and musical dramatist in the tradition of Tchaikovsky. 

Bibi Hanselmann '27, Assistant Director Charlie Odulio '26 & Music Director Mark Lane Swanson conduct.
 

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