Tchaikovsky’s Pathétique Symphony
Thu Mar 3 — Sat Mar 5, 2022
Orchestra Hall
The Minnesota Orchestra welcomes Nathalie Stutzmann back to the podium for a program that is rich with heart and soul. First, George Walker’s Lyric for Strings, composed in memory of Walker’s grandmother, will take your breath away. Then, violinist Tobias Feldmann joins the Orchestra for the first time to play Prokofiev’s imaginative and exciting Second Violin Concerto. Stutzmann, who is known for infusing lyricism into each performance, leads the Orchestra in Tchaikovsky’s tender and beautiful Sixth Symphony, the Pathétique.
A Few Things to Know
- Nathalie Stutzmann was recently announced as the next music director of the Atlanta Symphony, beginning her appointment there in the fall of 2022.
- In 1996, George Walker was the first African American to win the Pulitzer Prize in music for his work titled Lilacs, a vocal-orchestral setting of Walt Whitman’s poetry.
Program
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WALKER
Lyric for Strings
1 min noteOne Minute Note
Written in memory of the composer’s grandmother, George Walker’s Lyric for Strings is music of great emotion, with melodies proceeding in mostly stepwise manner, harmonies jumping from major to modal, and sparing use of plucked strings.
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PROKOFIEV
Violin Concerto No. 2
1 min noteOne Minute Note
This lyrical concerto veers between extremes, now gentle, now full of energy. Sergei Prokofiev’s imagination—and his penchant for saucy touches—are often evident, as in his use of castanets near the work’s exciting close.
- INTERMISSION
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TCHAIKOVSKY
Symphony No. 6, Pathétique
1 min noteOne Minute Note
Darkly, tenderly, beautifully, Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Sixth and final symphony communicates a mood of deep suffering. Brilliant touches include a waltz in 5/4 time, a dramatic scherzo and a lamenting melody that sinks away to silence.
Artists
Minnesota Orchestra
The Grammy Award-winning Minnesota Orchestra, now in its second century, ranks among America’s top symphonic ensembles, with a distinguished history of acclaimed performances in its home state and around the world; award-winning recordings, broadcasts and educational engagement programs; and a commitment to intentionally build concert programs to feature more works by composers of color, exploring music both contemporary and historic. In September 2024, Danish conductor Thomas Søndergård begins his second season as music director.
Your Concert Experience
Join us for Q&A’s, hosted discussions, exhibits and more. All free with your concert ticket!
Pre-Concert Performance
by YPSCA Concerto Competition Finalists
When: Sat Mar 5 | 7:05pm-7:25pm
Where: Auditorium
Young People's Symphony Concert Association (YPSCA) Concerto Competition finalists Grace Weitzel (violin), and Orion Kim (piano), will give a pre-concert performance on stage.
Pre- and Post-Concert Activities Sponsored By
When Nathalie Stutzmann comes to town, standing ovations seem to follow.”
Video: George Walker - Molto Adagio, From String Quartet No. 1
Accessibility Services
- Assistive Listening Devices
- Large Print Programs
- Service Animals
- Wheelchair & Accessible Seating
Additional services are available upon request.
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