KSO to Feature Work by Houghton Native

The Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra will open its 2022-2023 season Saturday night with a new work, and a rediscovered old work.

The new piece is “Unquiet Earth.” It was composed by Elena Ruehr, who grew up in Houghton, and has been on the staff at MIT for more than 30 years. It’s described as an atmospheric work that explores “the elements—Earth, Air, Fire, Water, and Ether—with a sense of both hope and concern for the planet.” This will be its Michigan premiere. Ruehr will be at the Rozsa for a pre-show talk beginning at 6:45 in the lobby, and a post-show reception.

The rediscovered work is William Herschel’s “Symphony No. 20.” Herschel is perhaps better known as the astronomer who discovered the planet Uranus. He was also a prolific composer. The recently discovered 20th Symphony has been edited by Michigan Tech Physics professor Bryan Suits. Tomorrow’s program will also include the “Blue Danube Waltzes” by Johann Strauss II, and George Enescu’s “Romanian Rhapsody No. 1.” Joel Neves will conduct.

Tickets are available through the Rozsa Center website, and in the lobby before the concert.