Duke Symphony Orchestra: “Introducing Clara Rottsolk” Concert

The Duke Symphony Orchestra proudly launches its 2025/26 season with a vibrant evening of orchestral and vocal masterworks. This opening night features acclaimed soprano Clara Rottsolk in her debut with the ensemble, bringing to life some of the most radiant music of the Baroque and Classical eras.

The program begins with the spirited Overture to Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute), Mozart's beloved opera filled with wonder and wit. Following the overture, Rottsolk presents a selected aria by George Frideric Handel (title to be announced), showcasing her expressive range and stylistic brilliance.

The first half concludes with Mozart's dazzling motet Exsultate, jubilate, K. 165, composed when the prodigy was just 17. This four-movement work, ending in the exuberant Alleluja, is a virtuosic showcase for soprano and orchestra alike.

After intermission, the orchestra performs one of the cornerstones of the symphonic repertoire: Beethoven's Symphony No. 3 in E-flat Major, "Eroica." Bold, expansive, and revolutionary in scope, this symphony forever changed the course of Western music. From the heroic first movement to the profound funeral march and triumphant finale, Beethoven's Eroica delivers both emotional depth and musical grandeur.

Program:
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)
Overture to Die Zauberflöte, K. 620

George Frideric Handel (1685-1759)
Aria (TBA)

Mozart
Exsultate, jubilate, K. 165
Allegro
Fuget amica dies (Recitative)
Tu virginum corona (Andante)
Alleluja (Allegro)
Clara Rottsolk, soprano

Intermission

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
Symphony No. 3 in E-flat Major, "Eroica"
Allegro con brio
Marcia funebre: Adagio assai
Scherzo: Allegro vivace
Finale: Allegro molto

Free and open to the public. All are welcome.

PLEASE NOTE: Campus improvement projects near Baldwin Auditorium have blocked access to one parking lot and limited pedestrian routes through the East Campus Quad. Please read below for detailed information.

PARKING CHANGES:
-Due to construction, the gated Pegram lot is inaccessible, limiting on-campus parking off Markham Avenue.
-Event parking is located in the Bishop's House and Basset/Brown Residence Hall lots.
-Please enter on North Buchanan Blvd across from Dacian Avenue (602 N. Buchanan Blvd).
-Please allow additional time for parking, and consider carpooling and using rideshare services.