COSMIC Symphony’s concert titled Rebirth will feature the winners of the 2023-24 Young Artists Competition and the music of Ludwig van Beethoven. The word rebirth implies the cyclical nature of life. Rebirth presents itself most prominently when we consider nature. Without fail, the seasons come and go. Spring is the season most directly associated with the idea of rebirth and can be seen literally with the blooming of life that takes place each year. Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6 is nicknamed the Pastoral Symphony. Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony is considered one of the earliest pieces of “programmatic music” in the orchestral repertoire because the music tells a story of a walk through the countryside. Written accounts affirm that Beethoven was directly inspired by nature when composing this symphony. An example of this can be heard in the second movement when Beethoven quotes the sound of bird songs in the music itself. The performance of this symphony is COSMIC’s way of welcoming the spring season into life. In addition to the Pastoral Symphony, COSMIC will be featuring the winners of the 2023-24 Young Artists Competition. All great artists must pass on their skills and knowledge to young people who will carry on the traditions into the future. COSMIC is committed to the education of young artists with the annual Young Artists Competition. The winners, Esther Bonney, violin for the junior division, and Alexander Wu cello, for the senior division will share their musical skill and talent in the performance that will inspire all.