There’s a lot to celebrate at the upcoming “Divergent Pulsations” concert from Alterity Chamber Orchestra. For one, it marks the fifth anniversary of the ensemble’s founding. And the Sept. 17 concert, presented by Timucua Arts Foundation, is a reflection of the growth of that organization.
Timucua has rebounded dramatically from the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Christopher Belt, who is executive director of Timucua and artistic adviser to Alterity.
“Membership numbers are up,” he says, “and ticket sales are at pre-pandemic levels and climbing.”
Among Timucua’s latest innovations are thematically grouping events — such as a month of chamber-music concerts — and in some cases selling multi-event ticket “bundles.”
A recent multi-performance guitar festival struck a chord with music fans: “Two of the first three sold out, with really good attendance overall,” Belt says.
A multiday jazz series in April also brought in crowds.
“It’s cool to see people responding to it,” he says.
Belt thinks grouping performances in such a way creates a destination-event.
“If somebody is coming from out of town for a weekend, they could come to more than one show,” he says. A chamber-music series is planned for early 2023.
The organization also has strengthened its commitment to diversity and inclusion by incorporating more nonwhite performers in its lineup.
On Sept. 10, siblings Anita and Julian Graef, who are Black, will perform together. She’s a cellist and he plays violin. In December, Timucua will present its first Kwanzaa concert, featuring Kevin Harris.
The “Divergent Pulsations” concert leads off a lineup of events commemorating Hispanic Heritage Month, which annually runs Sept. 15-Oct. 15. Timucua’s programming will include Hispanic poetry, two plays, an opera and jazz.
Alterity will be guest conducted by Juan Trigos, a Mexican American, and feature the world premiere of Double Concerto for Guitar, Flute and Chamber Orchestra by Puerto Rican composer Alberto Rodrigeuz Ortiz. The work was commissioned by two of the orchestra’s musicians — guitarist Eladio Scharrón and flutist Carrie Wiesinger.
“It’s the first time we’ve done a concerto,” Belt says, and the composer will be in residence “for a week, making sure the finer points are in place.”
As if that isn’t enough stress on the musicians, they also will be playing a piece written by conductor Trigos.
“That’s always really special,” says Belt of collaborating with a work’s composer. Then he adds with a laugh, “No pressure!”
More seriously, he has nothing but praise for Trigos: “He’s a fantastic conductor and a renowned composer.”
The 15-member orchestra will play the U.S. premiere of Trigos’ “Suite for Ensemble.” The program also includes “Dance Mobile” by Augusta Read Thomas and “Carmen Arcadiae Mechanicae Perpetuum” by Harrison Birtwistle.
The concert, at Harriett’s Orlando Ballet Centre, will be informal, in keeping with the Alterity vibe. The group was founded by Natalie Grata and Beatriz Ramirez, and although in the past five years some players have moved on, “it’s a lot of the same core group of people,” Belt says.
It takes a certain kind of musician to play unfamiliar contemporary works in a small ensemble: “Everyone has to play as a soloist,” Belt says. “It’s very challenging, there’s nowhere to hide.”
The group has kept busy the past few years — playing for Opera Orlando performances and even recording a remix of dance tune with singer LP Giobbi. But five years on, they’re ready to get back to contemporary concerts, Belt says.
“It feels like a rebirth,” he says. “It’s an important milestone for us.”
Alterity
What: ‘Divergent Pulsations,’ with conductor Juan Trigos
When: 8 p.m. Sept. 17
Where: Harriett’s Orlando Ballet Centre, 600 Lake Formosa Drive in Orlando
Cost: $35 ($17.50 for students, seniors and front-line workers)
Info: timucua.com
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