Just a few weeks ago, John Jeter and the musicians of the Fort Smith Symphony were preparing for an evening featuring songs by Ray Charles.
But unforeseen circumstances got in the way, and a change in scheduling won't be much of a change, promises Jeter, the organization's music director.
FAQ
‘The Nat King Cole Songbook’
WHEN — 7:30 p.m. Saturday
WHERE — ArcBest Performing Arts Center in Fort Smith
COST — $15-$40
INFO — 452-7575 or fortsmithsymphony.o…
"I'm really happy how it's worked out. It was pretty smooth. There's no part of me that feels like it's going to be any less of a concert," Jeter says.
The management team of previously scheduled vocalist Dee Daniels provided options for a replacement when it became clear that Daniels and the Fort Smith Symphony were no longer a match for this spring. And among many options available to Jeter and his crew, they opted for vocalist Denzal Sinclaire, who will join them for a program called "The Nat King Cole Songbook." It takes place the same evening and same place as the Ray Charles program was scheduled -- Saturday, inside the symphony's longtime home at the ArcBest Performing Arts Center.
Jeter says he likes what's coming for several reasons, not the least of which being that Sinclaire is a very talented vocalist. During the performance, a jazz combo will perform with him for several songs, and he'll highlight several members of the orchestra along the way.
"The Nat King Cole Songbook" performance is one Sinclaire offers with some frequency, including with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra in February. He also starred in a stage musical called "Unforgettable" featuring the songs of Nat King Cole.
Sinclaire's performance, because it focuses on an American jazz icon, also fits with the rest of the program, Jeter says.
"The first half of the concert has not changed. And that actually still works well with the second half," he says.
The first half selections for Saturday's program include Bernstein's "Overture to Candide" and Gershwin's "An American in Paris."
In particular, the Gershwin piece opened the doors for modern pops concerts like the one the Fort Smith Symphony presents this weekend, Jeter says. It was fun and free when so many of Gershwin's composing contemporaries were mimicking the serious Austrio-German music they had always known.
"Some people loved (Gershwin music), some people hated it. Whether he meant it or not, he was telling audiences it was OK to have a good time," Jeter says.
"Candide" was more of an instant hit when it was released in 1956.
"It's a very quick, lighthearted piece. When I think of a popular American overture, this might be it," Jeter says.
Despite the quick changeover from Ray Charles to Nat King Cole, Jeter says the orchestra had about the same amount of time to prepare for this show as they always do.
"We're really showing off," he says. "It's a great time to come hear us."
Following Saturday's concert, the orchestra will reconvene in the first half of the week to present the symphony's annual Earquake program, which this year will present symphonic music to about 4,000 River Valley students.
NAN What's Up on 04/17/2015