Tchaikovsky, Korngold and Chin
Thu May 9 — Fri May 10, 2024
Orchestra Hall
During Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s lifetime, many restrictions were in place that banned Ukrainian language and terminology within parts of the Russian empire. Tchaikovsky still chose to compose a symphony built from traditional songs of his neighboring country, a place dear to his heart. We welcome Elim Chan for her Orchestra Hall debut as the Minnesota Orchestra shares this imaginative symphony alongside Unsuk Chin’s swirling subito con forza and the return of soloist Benjamin Beilman in Erich Wolfgang Korngold’s cinematic Violin Concerto.
A Few Things to Know
- To mark Beethoven’s 250th birthday, Unsuk Chin composed subito con forza, inspired by the conversation books that helped Beethoven communicate in person as his hearing diminished.
- Tchaikovsky’s Second Symphony is filled with Ukrainian folk tunes.
- “She’s one of her generation’s really bright lights,” said Chad Smith, the president and chief executive of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, who in a previous role at the Los Angeles Philharmonic helped to hire Elim Chan as a conducting fellow there." Read The New York Times’ article (March 2024) about conductor Chan.
Program
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CHIN
subito con forza
1 min noteOne Minute Note
To mark Beethoven’s 250th birthday in 2020, Unsuk Chin composed subito con forza (“Suddenly, with force”), inspired by the conversation books that helped Beethoven communicate in person as his hearing diminished. Brief, visceral and powerful, it includes hidden and overt references to Beethoven’s music.
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KORNGOLD
Violin Concerto
1 min noteOne Minute Note
Erich Wolfgang Korngold, one of great film composers early in the history of cinema, also created rich drama in the concert hall—and one shining example is this glorious, eloquent violin concerto, written for virtuoso Jascha Heifetz.
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TCHAIKOVSKY
Symphony No. 2
1 min noteOne Minute Note
A solo horn sings the opening melody of Tchaikovsky’s Second Symphony, which—in typical Tchaikovsky fashion—quotes a variety of Eastern European folk tunes. Traditional melodies from Ukraine, or “Little Russia,” as it was then called, inspired both the musical ideas and the nickname for this work. Sadly, the music and title take on a new context due to the present Russia-Ukraine war.
Artists
Minnesota Orchestra
Elim Chan
conductor
Benjamin Beilman
violin
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.
One of the most sought-after artists of her generation, Elim Chan conducts a repertory ranging from Classical to contemporary symphonic works. She was guest conductor of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra from 2018 to 2023 and has been chief conductor of the Antwerp Symphony Orchestra since 2019.
Benjamin Beilman, one of the leading violinists of his generation, has won international praise for his passionate performances and deep rich tone. His 2023-24 season includes his debut with the St. Louis Symphony and returns to the Minnesota Orchestra, Oregon Symphony and Pacific Symphony, with which he will perform and conduct a program of Vivaldi.
Plan your Visit
- Pre-concert activities
- Valet Parking
- Pre-order Beverages
- Directions & Parking
- Helpful Tips
Pre-Concert Lecture
When: Thu May 9, Fri May 10 | 45 minutes prior
Where: Target Atrium
Loki Karuna previews concert with a special lecture.
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.
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.
