About This Concert:
Our star principal cellist, Anthony Ross, steps into the Tchaikovsky Marathon spotlight to spin one gorgeous melody after another in the Rococo Variations, in between performances of two Tchaikovsky symphonies in one night.
- Minnesota Orchestra
- Osmo Vänskä, conductor
- Anthony Ross, cello
TCHAIKOVSKY
Symphony No. 2
Variations on a Rococo Theme
Symphony No. 5
Fun Facts:
- Tchaikovsky’s Rococo theme doesn’t come from the Rococo era (late-18th century), but his own imagination inspired by his hero Mozart, and is followed by eight variations, each more ornate and beautiful than the one before.
- The word rococo comes from the French word rocaille, which means rock-and-shell garden ornamentation; the style created intricate and whimsical shell-like curves in statues, architecture and design of all kinds.
- Ten years had passed since Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony when–full of doubt–he started work on his Fifth. After its premiere he said, “I have come to the conclusion that it is a failure.” Today it is his most often-performed symphony.
Tchaikovsky Marathon
Tchaikovsky: Symphonies No. 2 & 5
Tickets
Other Performances
Anthony Ross, cello | Photo © Joel Larsen
Plan your visit
Other Ways to Buy
About This Concert:
Our star principal cellist, Anthony Ross, steps into the Tchaikovsky Marathon spotlight to spin one gorgeous melody after another in the Rococo Variations, in between performances of two Tchaikovsky symphonies in one night.
- Minnesota Orchestra
- Osmo Vänskä, conductor
- Anthony Ross, cello
TCHAIKOVSKY
Symphony No. 2
Variations on a Rococo Theme
Symphony No. 5
Fun Facts:
- Tchaikovsky’s Rococo theme doesn’t come from the Rococo era (late-18th century), but his own imagination inspired by his hero Mozart, and is followed by eight variations, each more ornate and beautiful than the one before.
- The word rococo comes from the French word rocaille, which means rock-and-shell garden ornamentation; the style created intricate and whimsical shell-like curves in statues, architecture and design of all kinds.
- Ten years had passed since Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony when–full of doubt–he started work on his Fifth. After its premiere he said, “I have come to the conclusion that it is a failure.” Today it is his most often-performed symphony.
Listen on Spotify
Preview this performance for free, using Spotify. If you're a member, simply click play. To download Spotify, click the green circle.
OH+ Concert activities on Friday January 12 / see all upcoming OH+ events

Tchaikovsky Marathon OH+ Activities
Discover all the extras happening before and after Tchaikovsky Marathon concerts including special Concert Previews, exhibits from The Museum of Russian Art, performances by St. Paul Ballet and more! View all activities »

Concert Preview
When: 7:15-7:45pm Where: N. Bud Grossman Mezzanine Join Assistant Conductor Akiko Fujimoto and Principal Cello Tony Ross for an informative and entertaining look at the concert repertoire and themes.