Masterworks

BJALAND AND WEISS (mw5)

February 16, 2012 | 8pm | Neel

February 17, 2012 | 8pm | Van Wezel

February 18, 2012 | 8pm | Van Wezel

February 19, 2012 | 2:30pm | Van Wezel

Leif Bjaland,
conductor

With a salute to Maestro Bjaland and his marvelous work at the Sarasota Orchestra, this concert combines some of the greatest pieces we know. You'll adore the delightful world of Die Meistersinger, Wagner's only comedic opera in which music is king. The gigantic, adrenalized chords that open Grieg's Piano Concerto say it all: it is a big, emotional work. Then, the evening will close with the Beethoven-like triumph found at the end of Schumann's Symphony.

Wagner • Prelude to Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg

Grieg • Piano Concerto in A Minor

Schumann • Symphony No. 2 in C Major

Leif Bjaland: You won't want to miss Maestro Leif Bjaland's final two Masterworks concerts as we express our appreciation for his remarkable tenure.

Orion Weiss, piano

Orion Weiss: "Talent that is so natural, genuine and exciting you can hardly believe your ears." -The Cincinnati Enquirer

OUTWATER AND GOMYO (MW6)

March 9, 2012 | 8pm | Neel

March 10, 2012 | 8pm | Van Wezel

March 11, 2012 | 2:30pm | Van Wezel

Edwin Outwater,
conductor

Delight in passionate works by four Russian masters spectacularly realized by two of classical music's freshest superstars: Edwin Outwater and Karen Gomyo. One of the most popular concerti in the repertoire, you'll be astounded by Karen Gomyo's interpretation of Tchaikovsky's pyrotechnic yet lyrical Violin Concerto. It is bookended by two overtures to Russian operas that are glorious celebrations of Russian life and folksong. A thrilling first symphony by Shostakovich anchors this evening. Written when he was just 18, this brilliant work is a herald of the Shostakovich to come.

Glinka • Overture to Russlan and Ludmilla

Tchaikovsky • Violin Concerto in D Major

Mussorgsky • Introduction to Khovanschina (Dawn on the Moskva River)

Shostakovich • Symphony No. 1 in F Minor

Edwin Outwater: One of North America's most creative, dynamic and engaging conductors, he has gained international attention for his innovative performances with the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony. "[Great music]  says something to your heart. It's emotion. There is a profound feeling."

Karen Gomyo, violin

Karen Gomyo: "Gomyo's playing was mesmerizing... this was a performance for the ages." -St. Petersburg Times

CHEN AND EHNES (MW7)

March 29, 2012 | 8pm | Neel

March 30, 2012 | 8pm | Van Wezel

March 31, 2012 | 8pm | Van Wezel

April 1, 2012 |2:30pm | Van Wezel

Mei Anne Chen,
conductor

If music conveys the inexpressible, then this concert showcasing the full gamut of emotions is perfection. Kernis' hilarious Too Hot Toccata is a pop-music influenced, modern day concerto for orchestra.  We jump to the other end of the emotional spectrum with Mozart's Symphony No. 25.  One of his most famous, this symphony's heart-rending music and tragic drama herald the arrival of a more mature Mozart. Grammy-Award winning artist James Ehnes, a Bradenton resident and one of the finest violinists of his generation, will perform Beethoven's awe-inspiring Concerto for Violin. This monumental and vast work soars with gorgeous melodies, at other moments it is pensive and reverent, and ends with a playful, lilting song that brings audiences to their feet in applause.

Kernis • Too Hot Toccata

Mozart • Symphony No. 25 in G Minor

Beethoven • Violin Concerto in D Major

Mei-Ann Chen: One of America's most exciting and promising young conductors, Chen has recently begun tenures with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra and the Chicago Sinfonietta. "The conductor doesn't make any sound, but when you make the gesture, you connect with so many musicians to make the biggest sound in the room."

James Ehnes,
violin

James Ehnes: "Ehnes lit up the stage... wowing the crowd with his dazzling virtuosity and easy charm." -Winnipeg Free Press