Kevin John Edusei, conductor | © Marco Borggreve

Shostakovich, Moussa and Ravel

Thu Apr 7 — Fri Apr 8, 2022

Orchestra Hall

~2 hrs including a 20 min intermission

Shostakovich’s First Violin Concerto is an intensely challenging, virtuosic and emotionally charged piece, performed by violinist Ning Feng in his Minnesota Orchestra debut. Also making his first appearance here is conductor Kevin John Edusei, who leads the Orchestra in a series of atmospheric orchestral works by Samy Moussa and Maurice Ravel. From the mysterious night sky in Nocturne to the joyful dances of Daphnis and Chloe to the iconic snare drum rhythm of Boléro, this concert will send your imagination soaring.

A Few Things to Know

Shostakovich’s First Violin Concerto was premiered by Ukrainian-born violinist David Oistrakh, who in 1955 and 1965 performed with the Minnesota Orchestra, which was then known as the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra. Learn more about the connections between Shostakovich and Oistrakh.
Ravel’s Daphnis and Chloe and Boléro were both originally written as music for ballet, but have instead become orchestral favorites that stand on their own.
Kevin John Edusei has won numerous awards and competitions for his conducting, including the 2008 International Dimitri Mitropoulos Competition, which is named after the Minnesota Orchestra’s fourth music director.
This concert marks the second consecutive month the Minnesota Orchestra is performing a piece by Canadian composer Samy Moussa. Moussa, who also has a successful career as a conductor in both Europe and North America, is currently the artist in residence with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.

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Date & Time

Program

SHOSTAKOVICH

Violin Concerto No. 1
1 min note

One Minute Note

Once hidden within the repressive climate of Stalin’s regime, Shostakovich’s concerto alternates somber movements with brighter, virtuosic passages. A spectacular cadenza links the ominous third movement with the work’s striking, fast-paced finale.
INTERMISSION
MOUSSA

Nocturne
1 min note

One Minute Note

In Moussa’s Nocturne, the center of gravity is pitched in the lower registers, with a few moments of brightness. The final minutes create a ghostly atmosphere through unusual modern techniques.
RAVEL

Suite No. 2 from Daphnis and Chloe
1 min note

One Minute Note

The ancient lovers in Ravel’s Daphnis and Chloe Suite are shown in happy moments. Rippling woodwinds announce sunrise; solo flute represents Daphnis telling the tale of Pan and Syrinx; and the couple celebrates with a joyous dance.
RAVEL

‎Boléro
1 min note

One Minute Note

Over a beguiling and insistent rhythm, Boléro repeats a single hypnotic melody on an ever-shifting combination of instruments. With each change in orchestral color, the tension builds—to a climax of shattering intensity.

Full Program Notes

Artists

Minnesota Orchestra

Your Concert Experience

Join us for Q&A’s, hosted discussions, exhibits and more. All free with your concert ticket!

bolerobolero Dance Performance

When: Thu Apr 7, 10:15-10:45am & Fri Apr 8, 7:15-7:45pm
Where: Roberta Mann Grand Foyer, Balcony A, Balcony B

bolerobolero, set to Ravel's iconic orchestral work, is a contemporary interpretation choreographed by Berit Ahlgren (HoneyWorks) and Helen Hatch (Hatch Dance). The work is a response to our need to continue dancing and creating during upheavals in the social and political landscapes during the summer of 2020.