Ruth Reinhardt | © Jessica Schaefer

Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet

Fri Feb 9 — Sat Feb 10, 2024

Orchestra Hall

~2 hours, including intermission

Smetana, Prokofiev, two thrilling debuts and a Minnesota Orchestra first all at once! Conductor Ruth Reinhardt and saxophonist Steven Banks, a 2022 Avery Fisher Career Grant recipient, make their debuts with the Minnesota Orchestra to showcase Billy Childs’ recently premiered Diaspora, a concerto for saxophone and orchestra. The work co-commissioned by the Orchestra highlights Black experiences in America, with inspiration from poets including Langston Hughes and Maya Angelou. Then: romance, drama and intrigue capture the evening with a suite from Prokofiev’s gripping ballet score.

Save up to 15% when you create your own ticket package of three or more concerts.

The Friday night performance will be broadcast with a live audience on TPT-2 and streamed live on the Minnesota Orchestra website. Not sure what to expect? Read on about the experience.

A Few Things to Know

Composer Billy Childs has been the recipient of 16 Grammy nominations and five Grammy Awards.
Steven Banks is the first saxophonist to capture First Prize at the Young Concert Artists Susan Wadsworth International Auditions in the organization’s 60-year history.
The suite from Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet that is performed in this program was compiled by conductor Ruth Reinhardt.

Explore the concert extras

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Date & Time

Program

SMETANA

Šárka, from Má vlast (My Homeland)
1 min note

One Minute Note

Bedřich Smetana’s distinctly Czech symphonic poem is a miniature orchestral drama based on the tale of the legendary Amazon of Bohemian folklore, telling of the young heroine Šárka—her romantic betrayal, rage and vengeance.
CHILDS

Diaspora (Concerto for Saxophone and Orchestra)
1 min note

One Minute Note

In this rarity—a concerto for saxophone and orchestra—Billy Childs’ music draws inspiration from the poetry of Nayyirah Waheed, Claude McKay and Maya Angelou to tell a unique story of Black experiences in America.
PROKOFIEV

Romeo and Juliet Suite
1 min note

One Minute Note

Eight selections from Sergei Prokofiev’s ballet Romeo and Juliet, chosen for these performances by Ruth Reinhardt, summon vivid images of Shakespeare’s romantic tragedy, from a masked ball to a violent duel to the lovers’ tragic end.

Full Program Notes

Artists

Minnesota Orchestra

Ruth Reinhardt

conductor

Steven Banks

saxophone

Plan your visit

Pre-concert activities
Valet Parking
Pre-order Beverages
Directions & Parking
Helpful Tips

Pre-Concert Performance by Ballet Co.Laboratory

When: Fri Feb 9, 7:15-7:45pm | Sat Feb 10, 6:15-6:45pm

Join the Company of Ballet Co.Laboratory for a performance of Juliet's solo, a pas de deux, and other excerpts from Romeo and Juliet as well as excerpts from Les Sylphides with music by Frédéric Chopin. Ballet Co.Laboratory honors the foundations of Ballet while moving the art form forward by collaborating with our community and advancing equity in the classical arts.

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.