Happy New Year!
This first concert of 2019 features two masterpieces of the Romantic era from two different portions of the world: Edvard Grieg from Norway and Russian master Sergiu Rachmaninoff.
Grieg’s famous Piano Concerto has special memories for me, during this Anniversary year, as it was one of the works featured on my audition concert over ten years ago! That performance was instrumental in affording me the honor to become music director of our great orchestra. Our soloist, Claire Huangci, will rekindle the concerto’s passion and excitement as her artistry will dazzle you!
Our second half of the concert will feature a special symphony, Rachmaninoff’s second. An epic work that helped the composer to regain his stature as a symphonic composer despite earlier efforts. Its beautiful melodies were featured in the movie Birdman as well as the popular song stylist, Eric Carmen in his “Never Gonna Fall in Love Again.” A first performance for SOST, this symphony will transport you through its melancholy, dynamic brass and luscious string writing.
We hope these works will get you ready for an exciting conclusion of our 2018-19 Season. I look forward to sharing these with you.
