Sokolov © Simon Fowler
Barber Violin Concerto
Fri Oct 20 — Sat Oct 21, 2023
Orchestra Hall
Ukrainian violinist Valeriy Sokolov makes his Minnesota Orchestra debut, performing Samuel Barber’s enchanting Violin Concerto. Composed in 1939, this celebrated concerto starts out with two lyrical and melodic movements and comes to a close with a final virtuosic movement, performed at break-neck speed and ending with an explosion of masterful intensity. American conductor Thomas Wilkins returns to Orchestra Hall to conduct this sweeping and breathtakingly cinematic program of music by 20th century American composers.
A Few Things to Know
- Although Roy Harris composed at least 18 symphonies, his Symphony No. 3 is by far the most well known; it was championed by Leonard Bernstein, who performed it many times and recorded the work twice.
- Gabriela Ortiz’s Kauyumari musically represents the story of a blue deer that serves as a spiritual guide and guardian for the Huichol people of Mexico.
- Among many accolades, American conductor Thomas Wilkins was recently awarded an honorary doctorate of arts from the Boston Conservatory at Berklee and received the League of American Orchestras’ Gold Baton Award. Read our interview with him on how this program came together.
Program
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HARRIS
Symphony No. 3
1 min noteOne Minute Note
Roy Harris’ Third Symphony embodies the composer’s aims to capture the American spirit. Cast in one movement that opens and closes with a tragic mood, the symphony mixes traditional classical elements such as a fugue with forays into a more modern harmonic language.
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BARBER
Violin Concerto
1 min noteOne Minute Note
In Samuel Barber’s Violin Concerto, the solo violin sings passionate, lyrical lines in the opening pair of movements, then delivers a whirlwind of triplet rhythms in the fast-paced finale.
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ORTIZ
Kauyumari
1 min noteOne Minute Note
Gabriela Ortiz’s Kauyumari, named for a mystical animal guide in the Huichol culture indigenous to Mexico, celebrates the Huichol people’s sacred traditions, evoking spiritual growth and earth stewardship through vibrant, rhythmic music.
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HANSON
Symphony No. 2, Romantic
1 min noteOne Minute Note
Horns are the central force in Howard Hanson’s Second Symphony, which the composer called “young in spirit” and “warmblooded.” A slow, haunting opening leads to an Allegro moderato full of urgent, lyric melodies. The gorgeous slow movement evokes church music, while the finale builds to a blaze of jubilant fanfares.
Artists
Minnesota Orchestra
Thomas Wilkins
conductor
Valeriy Sokolov
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. This past fall, Danish conductor Thomas Søndergård began his tenure as music director.
Thomas Wilkins is principal conductor of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, the Boston Symphony’s artistic advisor for education and community engagement, and principal guest conductor of the Virginia Symphony. In addition, he holds Indiana University’s Henry A. Upper Chair of Orchestral Conducting. In 2021 he completed a long and successful tenure as music director of the Omaha Symphony Orchestra. He debuted with the Minnesota Orchestra in May 2022, leading a program that included Joel Thompson’s Seven Last Words of the Unarmed.
Ukrainian violinist Valeriy Sokolov, one of the most outstanding artists of his generation, works regularly with the world’s leading orchestras, from the Philharmonia Orchestra and Cleveland Orchestra to the Tokyo Symphony, Seoul Philharmonic and Shanghai Symphony. In October 2023 he is making his U.S. debut performing Barber’s Violin Concerto with both the Houston Symphony and the Minnesota Orchestra.
Plan your visit
- Pre-concert activities
- Valet Parking
- Pre-order Beverages
- Directions & Parking
- Helpful Tips
Pre-Concert Interview
When: Fri Oct 20, 7:15pm | Sat Oct 21, 6:15pm
Where: Follow signage
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.
I always say you have to navigate from where you are, not from where you wish to be. So here’s where we are, so let’s navigate.”
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.
