Auburn Symphony welcomes back violin prodigy for Masterworks II

Prodigy. Virtuoso. Musical genius. These labels have been used liberally in the last decade to describe violinist Amaryn Olmeda, who first picked up a violin when she was 3½ and won the Auburn Symphony Young Artists Competition Grand Prize when she was in grade school. Now, still a teenager, Olmeda solos for some of the best symphonies in the world, where she showcases her technique, intonation and lyricism. Jan. 17 and 18 at Placer High School, audience members will get the chance to see her in Auburn once more, where she will perform the solo for Samuel Barber's Violin Concerto, a work in three movements. "She's a longtime friend of the Auburn Symphony," said conductor Ryan Murray. "She's adored by the community, and she's great to work with." The feelings, according to Olmeda, are mutual. "It's so wonderful to be back and share my music with them," she said of her upcoming performance with the Auburn Symphony. "They're like a second family to me. I'm able to communicate with them through the music at a very high level." Olmeda has soloed for symphonies in dozens of cities, an experience that is thrilling – and, she admitted, occasionally disorienting. "Staying a night or two in a city then traveling to the next destination can feel like whiplash," Olmeda said. "But Auburn feels like my home symphony." Also reassuring to her is the presence of Murray, whose conducting style matches her pace. "I love his energy," Olmeda said. "What makes him so wonderful is he's right there with me every single beat. He catches my energy." That energy will be on full display in the third movement of Barber's Violin Concerto, the dizzying triplets of which create a breathless climax. "The first two movements are very melodious, almost like singing, which is unusual for violin concertos," Olmeda said. "The third movement is very exciting – it's in perpetual motion." Murray agreed, expressing special enthusiasm for Olmeda's interpretation of the dazzling conclusion to Barber's Violin Concerto. "The third movement has a lot of fiery energy," he said. "I predict she will really take that and run with it." Christopher Jones, who has played principal horn with the Auburn Symphony for the last 20 years, has observed some of Amaryn's remarkable career from up close. "I can't wait to hear how she is now," he said. "It will be a real treat for us to play with her and for everyone listening to her. You don't often get too many opportunities to hear such a special talent in your lifetime." Another treat for Jones and the audience is the performance of Mozart's 38th symphony – selected by Murray to commemorate the 38th anniversary of the Auburn Symphony. "People think of Mozart as nice and quiet and charming, but this particular symphony is very exciting," Jones said. "It is a really special symphony. "It's some of Mozart's finest symphonic writing," Murray added. "And that's saying a lot." Kicking off the program will be a unique showcase of chamber elements within the larger Auburn Symphony, as woodwinds and horns take centerstage for an intimate and stirring performance of Wind Serenade by Richard Strauss – a musical genius whose work bridged the 19th and 20th centuries. "It's plush, romantic, beautifully written. One of the top two or three most enjoyable pieces in the woodwind group," Jones said. "People are concerned that a smaller orchestra is less exciting, but I think it will be very exciting. The audience is really immersed in the stage, and the sound will envelop them." To be enveloped in the sound of prodigies past and present, visit AuburnSymphony.com or visit the symphony office at 985 Lincoln Way, Suite 102, Auburn; call 530-823-6683; or email Office@AuburnSymphony.com. Michael Rohm is a writer whose work has taken him around the world, covering topics from war in Ukraine to land rights in Madagascar. Past articles with the Auburn Journal include wildfires, river cleanup, and arts in the city.