Beethoven Symphony No. 8
Sat Apr 20, 2024 - 6 p.m.
Orchestra Hall
Two vibrant orchestral works in under an hour! Make Symphony in 60 part of your weekend and witness the musical power of cellist Sterling Elliott in Tchaikovsky’s Variations on a Rococo Theme and hear Beethoven's lighthearted and optimistic Eighth Symphony, conducted by Kristiina Poska.
Things to know
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Enjoy a one-hour concert with $6 Happy Hour and a post-concert onstage reception with musicians.
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Only 24 years old, cellist Sterling Elliott is one of three awardees of the 2024 Sphinx Medal of Excellence, receiving a $50,000 career grant.
- Tchaikovsky composed his Rococo Variations during a challenging period of depression and poor health, but the piece flowed quickly onto paper and helped Tchaikovsky to work through the difficult time.
- Igor Stravinsky once commented that the Eighth was his personal favorite of Beethoven’s symphonies.
Program
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TCHAIKOVSKY
Variations on a Rococo Theme
1 min noteOne Minute Note
Traveling from an original theme in the cello through seven variations and a lively coda, Variations on a Rococo Theme is light, elegant and full of charm.
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BEETHOVEN
Symphony No. 8
1 min noteOne Minute Note
With its cheerful disposition and quick pace, this complex yet eminently listenable symphony was one of Beethoven’s own favorites. He wrote it while he was losing the last of his hearing and coping with a family feud, making its bright spirit all the more remarkable.
Artists
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.
The award-winning conductor Kristiina Poska is in high demand on the international music scene. She has held the post of chief conductor of the Flanders Symphony Orchestra since 2019-20 season and principal guest conductor of the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra since 2021-22.
Cellist Sterling Elliott is a 2021 Avery Fisher Career Grant recipient and the winner of the Senior Division of the 2019 National Sphinx Competition. This season he debuts with the Minnesota Orchestra and the New Jersey Symphony, among other ensembles, and performs the world premiere of John Corigliano’s Phantasmagoria with the Orlando Philharmonic.
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.
Symphony in 60 concert enhancements include:
One-hour Performance
Onstage Reception
$6 Happy Hour
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.