Classical works that were inspired by humanity and nature form the basis of the UC Davis Symphony Orchestra’s concert on Sunday, Nov. 5. Jeffrey Thomas, Barbara K. Jackson Professor of Music and director of the American Bach Soloists, will conduct.

The program includes Edward Elgar’s “Sospiri,” Claude Debussy’s “Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune,” Gustav Mahler’s “Blumine” and Ottorino Respighi’s “Pini di Roma.” Ellen Ruth Rose, viola, and the University Chorus join the orchestra for a performance of Ralph Vaughan Williams’ “Flos Campi.” 

“Composers have been inspired by the beauty and the power of nature for centuries,” Thomas said in reference to the concert’s theme. “Whether in the form of Respighi’s musical representation of the magnificent wooded hills in and around Rome or Debussy’s evocative and sensual depiction of a faun’s flirtations with nymphs, they brought their most descriptive creativity to these works. Mahler’s short single-movement ‘Blumine’ (meaning a collection of blossoms, a bouquet or possibly meant as a German name for the Roman goddess, Flora) sweetly reflects on autumnal wildflowers, and ‘Flos Campi’ by Vaughan Williams takes its inspiration from verses in the Song of Songs and offers a contemplation of the flowers of the field and being ‘sick with love.’ Finally, the meditation by Elgar titled ‘Sospiri’ (‘sighs’) captures our human involvement with beauty and how such beauty moves our souls.”

The concert takes place at Jackson Hall in the Robert and Margrit Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students and youth and are available at the Mondavi Center box office in person or by calling 530-754-2787 during 12-6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Tickets are also available online at http://mondaviarts.org.

For more information about the College of Letter and Science’s Department of Music and future performances, visit http://arts.ucdavis.edu/music.