Ginastera, Kodály and Tchaikovsky
Thu Jun 8 — Fri Jun 9, 2023
Orchestra Hall
Hungarian composer Zoltan Kodály believed fervently that music was good for the soul. So it makes sense that on such a colorful, vivacious program, we hear not one but two of his works, the less-familiar Hungarian folk tune-inspired Concerto for Orchestra as well as the much-loved Dances of Galánta. Miguel Harth-Bedoya takes the podium, also conducting Ginastera’s Harp Concerto in a special performance by Chanhassen native Grace Roepke. Tchaikovsky’s brilliant Capriccio italien brings spirit to the soul as the concert concludes.
A Few Things To Know
- Grace Roepke was the Grand Prize winner of the FRIENDS of the Minnesota Orchestra Young Artists Competition in 2019, becoming the first harpist to receive the honor in the competition’s six-decade history. Read our recent Q&A with her here.
- Capriccio italien was written to evoke some of the sights and sounds that Tchaikovsky encountered on a visit to a carnival.
- The Ginastera Harp Concerto has only been programmed once before on a Minnesota Orchestra concert, featuring then-Principal Harp Kathy Kienzle in 2016.
- Miguel Harth-Bedoya has recently concluded tenures as chief conductor of the Norwegian Radio Orchestra and as music director of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. He is an environmental activist who co-founded a compost business and has committed to zero-waste living.
Program
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KODÁLY
Concerto for Orchestra
1 min noteOne Minute Note
Kodály’s Concerto for Orchestra is infused with Hungarian folk melodies and built on Baroque-era structures, namely the concerto grosso form of small groups in interplay with the full ensemble and, in the middle movement, passacaglia—continual variations over a repeating bass line.
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GINASTERA
Harp Concerto
1 min noteOne Minute Note
Ginastera’s Harp Concerto explores the folk rhythms of Argentina and the many capabilities of the harp, including its fiery energy, mysterious colors and dreamlike special effects.
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KODÁLY
Dances of Galánta
1 min noteOne Minute Note
In Dances of Galánta, Kodály memorializes his boyhood home, imposing his own structure on five dances the local Romani band had played—haunting, majestic, stomping and whirling—producing a vivid image of yesteryear.
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TCHAIKOVSKY
Capriccio italien
1 min noteOne Minute Note
Tchaikovsky’s delightful ode to Rome opens with a striking military bugle call and continues with episodes based on Italian songs, both lyrical and lively, before the work closes with a sizzling tarantella dance.
Artists
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 began his second season as music director.
Plan Your Visit
- Pre-concert activities
- Valet Parking
- Pre-order Beverages
- Directions & Parking
- Helpful Tips
Know Before You Go
An engaging performance awaits, and the fun doesn’t stop there. Make this visit your own with food and activity options. Browse these helpful tips, and when your concert date arrives, all you have to do is sit back and enjoy.
Directions & Parking
All the information you need to know for getting to and from Orchestra Hall. Parking is just steps away from Orchestra Hall in the city-owned and skyway-connected 11th and Marquette Ramp.
Pre-order beverages
Skip the lines at the bar! Pre-order your intermission beverage via the MN Orch App when you arrive at Orchestra Hall.
Accessibility Services
- Armless & Bariatric Chairs
- Assistive Listening Devices
- Large-Print Programs
- Noise-Cancelling Headphones
- Service Animals
- Wheelchair & Accessible Seating
Additional services are available upon request.