Yuja Wang Plays Prokofiev
Fri Mar 29 — Sat Mar 30, 2024
Orchestra Hall
Pianist Yuja Wang has graced stages all over the world, earning rave reviews that describe her performances as daredevil, dazzling and captivating. Now, she makes her Minnesota Orchestra debut in an exhilarating piano concerto by Sergei Prokofiev alongside conductor Teddy Abrams. The Orchestra also performs Rachmaninoff’s Second Symphony in this concert that travels through starry nights, showcases extreme technical prowess, and fills the soul with feelings of deep romance and passion.
A Few Things to Know
- Yuja Wang has had many works written for her by prominent composers around the world, including Jennifer Higdon, John Adams, Rodion Shchedrin, Michael Tilson Thomas and Tan Dun.
- Yuja Wang was awarded a 2024 Grammy Award in Best Classical Instrumental Solo for The American Project, alongside Louisville Orchestra conductor Teddy Abrams, who composed a piano concerto for Wang that was featured on the album.
- Abrams, who in 2022 was named Musical America’s Conductor of the Year, is now at work composing on ALI, a musical about Muhammad Ali scheduled to premiere in fall 2024 in Louisville before opening on Broadway in spring 2025.
- Pulitzer Prize-winner Carolyn Shaw’s The Observatory drew inspiration from a variety of sources, including a memorable visit to Los Angeles’ Griffith Observatory and her passion for science fiction and stargazing.
Program
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SHAW
The Observatory
1 min noteOne Minute Note
In her 2019 work The Observatory, Carolyn Shaw drew inspiration from a variety of sources, including a memorable visit to Los Angeles’ Griffith Observatory; her love of science fiction and stargazing; and music ranging from Bach to Sibelius to contemporary composer Andrew Norman. The piece features large chords, intricate musical patterns, and sounds that correspond with the chaos and clarity of the cosmos.
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PROKOFIEV
Piano Concerto No. 1
1 min noteOne Minute Note
Notable features of this concerto include a grandly soaring theme for piano and orchestra in unison and, in the final movement, a thrilling display of energy and wit as piano and orchestra seem pitted against each other. Prokofiev, himself a sensational pianist, performed this exhilarating work as his final exam at the Moscow Conservatory.
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RACHMANINOFF
Symphony No. 2
1 min noteOne Minute Note
Rachmaninoff’s longest, grandest and most expansive symphony is built on the opening motif, a somber figure for low strings. The lyrical third movement is a standout, containing several gorgeous melodies and an extended clarinet solo of ardent longing. The finale is soaring and magnificent, culminating in a blaze of orchestral sound.
Artists
Minnesota Orchestra
Teddy Abrams
conductor
Yuja Wang
piano
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.
Teddy Abrams, Musical America’s 2022 Conductor of the Year, is in his tenth season as music director of the Louisville Orchestra, where he has been the galvanizing force behind the orchestra’s artistic renewal since his appointment in September 2014.
Pianist Yuja Wang is celebrated for her charismatic artistry, emotional honesty and captivating stage presence. She has performed with the world’s most venerated conductors, musicians and ensembles, and is renowned not only for her virtuosity, but her spontaneous and lively performances.
Plan your visit
- Pre-concert activities
- Valet Parking
- Pre-order Beverages
- Directions & Parking
- Helpful Tips
Concert preview
With Valerie Little
When: Fri Mar 29, Sat Mar 30 | 45 mins prior to concert
Where: Target Atrium
Assistant Principal Librarian Valerie Little hosts a pre-concert talk, sharing insights into the program and guest artists.
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.
It doesn’t matter how many notes or chords you throw at her...Wang is going to flash her unworried smile, tear through the score with effortless ease, and then sit back as if to say, 'Is that all you got?'”
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.
