Anthony Ross Plays Dvořák’s Cello Concerto
Fri Jan 12 — Sat Jan 13, 2024
Orchestra Hall
Not long before he wrote his famous Cello Concerto, Antonín Dvořák spent time exploring places Minnesotans might recognize—staying for a summer in the tiny town of Spillville in northern Iowa and visiting Minnehaha Falls in Minneapolis—as he sought out new sparks of inspiration. Hear Principal Cello Anthony Ross perform one of his most passionate works from this creative period, alongside a remarkable Third Symphony by Dvořák’s own friend and mentor, Johannes Brahms.
A Few Things to Know
- Anthony Ross joined the Minnesota Orchestra as a section member two years prior to winning his current position as principal cello in 1991.
- The opening notes of Brahms’ Symphony No. 3 are F, A-flat, F, which represent the first letters of the phrase Frei aber froh, or free but happy, making a distinct connection between this symphony and Brahms’ personal life at the time it was written.
- Antonin Dvořák visited Minnehaha Falls in September 1893 and composed his famous Cello Concerto the following year.
Program
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DVOŘÁK
Cello Concerto
1 min noteOne Minute Note
The Dvořák Cello Concerto, achingly romantic, is often considered the greatest Western classical concerto ever written for the instrument. A quiet section near the close recalls the composer’s lost love, who died as the work was composed.
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BRAHMS
Symphony No. 3
1 min noteOne Minute Note
A powerful brass motto opens this symphony; hymn-like, passionate, pastoral and bittersweet melodies follow. Resolving tension, the final Allegro treats us to a serene, sunny flow—the mood so often associated with Brahms.
Artists
Minnesota Orchestra
Jun Märkl
conductor
Anthony Ross
cello
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.
Dynamic leader of the Minnesota Orchestra’s cello section since 1991, prize-winning cellist Anthony Ross has appeared as soloist many times with the Orchestra, performing all the standard cello concertos under Osmo Vänskä, Edo de Waart and Eiji Oue. Equally passionate about new music, he has given powerful performances of Michael Daugherty’s Tales of Hemingway, James MacMillan’s Cello Concerto, Paul Moravec’s Montserrat, and he and his wife, cellist Beth Rapier, have championed David Ott’s Concerto for Two Cellos since 1993. Prior to assuming the principal role in Minnesota, Ross performed for four years as principal cello of the Rochester Philharmonic under David Zinman.
Ross’ compelling interpretations have won wide acclaim from Moscow to Kalamazoo, and Dallas to Duluth. As concerto soloist, he has played with the Moscow State Orchestra, the Louisville Orchestra, the Dallas Symphony, the Rochester Philharmonic, the South Dakota Symphony and many other Midwest regional orchestras. Ross’ recordings include Leonard Bernstein’s Three Meditations from Mass, the George Lloyd Cello Concerto with the Albany Symphony, and the sonatas of Rachmaninoff and Elliott Carter.
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 Minnesota Orchestra App when you arrive at Orchestra Hall.
YPSCA Concerto Competition Finalists
When: Fri Jan 12, 7:15 p.m. | Sat Jan 13, 6:15 p.m.
Where: Target Atrium
Young People’s Symphony Concert Association (YPSCA) was formed in 1911, the same year as Minnesota Orchestra's Young People's Concerts were launched. Join us for the pre-concert performance of the YPSCA Concerto Competition Finalists in the Target Atrium. Marcia Peck will also be signing her new book Water Music in the Lobby.
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.
Sponsored By
The 2023-2024 Classical Season is presented by Ameriprise Financial.
