Handel, Debussy, Grieg, Petrich and Haydn

Yes, Petrich. Roger was in illustrious company on the program of the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra November 8 and 9. Paul Neebe who often accompanies Schola Cantorum at 11:15 Mass and special liturgies is the principal trumpet of the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra. The program notes said, “Neebe is known for commissioning and recording of contemporary American works for the trumpet.” After an intermission he performed the three movements of Roger’s Concerto for Trumpet and Strings, “Zatten”. Taking a bow, Paul and the conductor looked out into the audience applauding in Shaftman Performance Hall and beckoned Roger (wearing a signature tie) to stand and take a bow.

The venue was worthy of Handel, Debussy, Grieg, Petrich and Haydn. “In the late 1970‘s the once majestic Jefferson High School was a decaying skeleton…it was home only to pigeons. Consistent with the goals to be a first class performance facility, Jefferson Center boasts elegant finishes and decorations. Existing marble, wood-panel, and cast-plaster finishes were completely refurbished. The auditorium chairs, once unadorned and wooden, are now luxurious seats of cherry wood with plush velvet cushions. Loges and chandeliers recall the spirit of an old-world opera house.” Opened in 2001, it hosts “cultural attractions rarely found in a metropolitan area the size of Roanoke.”

One hour prior to the “Masterworks” concerts the conductor and guest artists present “lively and informal discussions” about their work. People attending said listening to Roger was enjoyable and it was obvious that he has a sense of humor.

In the program notes Roger wrote: “The 'DNA' of this composition tracks back to my great-grandfather and the tiny Plattdeutsch village where he was born. Zatten, [then] located in the eastern part of Berlin/Brandenburg is in an area of forest and small farms dating back to the 1600's. My grandfather R.T. Petrich, whose initials I bear, was six years old when he, along with his parents, sister, and older brother left Prussia to start a new life in the USA. My own childhood memories include many visits to the family homestead in Dakota Territory, where I used to play in the barn that hosted many summer dances. The Dakota sky was vast by day, and nights could become magical with the addition of the Northern Lights. Though not a professional musician, my father kept up his trumpet playing all his life. In a special way it was his “voice” – a sound that deeply imprinted all my growing up years. All of this is mixed together in my Zatten Concerto.”

Handel (b. 1685, Germany); Debussy (b. 1862, France); Grieg (b.1843, Norway); and Haydn (b. 1732, Austria) - and oh yes - Petrich (b.1938, North Dakota, USA)

www.jeffcenter.org/