The Concert Features the West Coast Premiere of Previn’s Double Concerto with Violinist Jaime Laredo and Cellist Sharon Robinson; “Honey and Rue” with Soprano Elizabeth Caballero; “Principals” for Orchestra; and “Owls” for Orchestra
One of America’s most versatile and prolific living composers, André Previn, joins Pacific Symphony as the honored guest and focus of the 15th American Composers Festival (ACF). Previn, who has been called one of America’s least easily categorized musicians, began his remarkable career as a Hollywood “wunderkind” and a best-selling jazz pianist.
Now 86, Previn has received four Academy Awards for his work in film, 10 Grammy Awards for his recordings (plus one more for his Lifetime Achievement), and he is also an honorary Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire. He’s held a series of major conducting posts, including the L.A. Philharmonic and the London Symphony Orchestra, but now exclusively composes. The concert is led by Music Director Carl St.Clair, whose great admiration for the legend shaped this year’s ACF to reveal the scope of Previn’s prowess as a composer.
The program’s central work is the West Coast premiere of Previn’s Double Concerto for Violin and Cello, featuring acclaimed duo, violinist Jaime Laredo and cellist Sharon Robinson. Guest Soprano Elizabeth Caballero sings “Honey and Rue,” which was premiered by soprano Kathleen Battle in 1992 at Carnegie Hall and sets to music six poems by the iconic African-American writer Toni Morrison. “Principals” is a 14-minute showcase for principal players of the orchestra, originally written for the Pittsburgh Symphony, which Previn conducted from 1976-84. “Owls” conjures the wise and mysterious animal it was named after, and was composed for the Boston Symphony Orchestra in 2008.
This year’s Previn tribute takes place Thursday-Saturday, May 28-30, in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. A very special preview takes places at 7 p.m. when Alan Chapman interviews Previn on stage prior to the start of the concert. Rarely making public appearances these days, much less engaging in interviews, the very private icon opens up for this unique event. Tickets are $25-$99. For more information or to purchase tickets, please call (714) 755-5799 or visit www.PacificSymphony.org.
Jayce Keane
Director of Public Relations
Pacific Symphony
3631 S. Harbor Blvd. Suite 100
Santa Ana, CA 92704
Direct: 714/ 876-2383 │Tickets: 714/ 755-5799
