Plus, Sunday Connections further explores Strauss’ complex piece
Sweet, singing lines stem from the fingertips of Russian pianist Yulianna Avdeeva as she joins Pacific Symphony to perform the compelling melodies of Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 1, led by Music Director Carl St.Clair.
Winner of the First Prize at the International Frédéric Chopin Competition in 2010, Avdeeva has been praised especially for her Chopin interpretations: “Her pacing is born of intelligent feeling and clarity of thought, and her ability to finesse Chopin’s inner voices puts many to shame” (The Guardian).
Chopin himself was a prodigy and wrote with glittering aesthetics for piano like no other composer ever would. Following this expressive piano solo, St.Clair takes the orchestra on the courageous journey created by Richard Strauss in his tone poem, “Ein Heldenleben” (A Hero’s Life).
The work is held dear by St.Clair and the orchestra, who performed it on the European tour in 2006 to glowing reviews, and it features Concertmaster Raymond Kobler playing the solo violin representative of Strauss’ wife, Pauline.
Mozart’s exuberant Overture to “The Abduction from the Seraglio” opens the evening with Turkish flair and exotic sounds. The concert takes place Thursday through Saturday, March 27-29, at 8 p.m. in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall; a preview talk with Alan Chapman begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25-$99; for more information or to purchase tickets 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
