Grand Piano Spectacular
Thu Jul 31, 2025
Orchestra Hall
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Let one pianist loose on the 88 keys and—voilá! Magic. Multiply that by four and unite them on stage, and the effect is spectacular. The Grand Piano Spectacular returns again this summer—and it is a real thrill to see and hear! Creative Partner Jon Kimura Parker reprised this long tradition of Sommerfest, the Orchestra’s beloved summer festival that dates back to 1980. This summer, we welcome pianists representing the next generation of great recitalists who will perform alongside Parker.
Program
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MOZART/Stern
Overture to The Magic Flute
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PROKOFIEV/Stern
Romance, from Lieutenant Kijé
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TCHAIKOVSKY/Stern
Overture to Act III of Swan Lake
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RAVEL
La Valse
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BIZET/Stern
Minuet and Farandole, from L’Arlésienne Suite No. 2
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MOZART/Stern
Overture to The Impresario
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ADAMS
Hallelujah Junction
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PUCCINI/Stern
Nessun dorma, from Turandot
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OLSON
A Scott Joplin Rag Rhapsody
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COPLAND/Stern
Hoe-Down, from Four Dance Episodes from Rodeo
Artists
Jon Kimura Parker
piano
Chelsea de Souza
piano
Artem Kuznetsov
piano
Ayane Nakajima
piano
Manny Laureano
trumpet
Pianist Jon Kimura Parker is known for his charisma, infectious enthusiasm and dynamic performances that celebrate the joy of musical expression. A veteran of the international stage, Parker has performed in major venues including the Berlin Philharmonie, Carnegie Hall, London’s South Bank, Sydney Opera House, and Beijing Concert Hall. From 2019 to 2025 he was the Minnesota Orchestra’s creative partner for Summer at Orchestra Hall, serving as a creative force behind the Orchestra’s summer festival and appearing each summer as a host, performer and personality.
Indian pianist Chelsea de Souza is a Steinway Young Artist internationally acclaimed for her dynamic artistry and thought-provoking recital programming.
Artem Kuznetsov has solidified his status as one of the rising stars in the classical music world, excelling in and winning multiple prestigious international piano competitions.
Japanese-American pianist Ayane Nakajima has garnered recognition as a celebrated prizewinner of numerous international competitions, including Pianale, Young Texas Artists, International Keyboard Odyssiad and YoungArts. Her performance highlights span the U.S and Europe at venues such as London’s Wigmore Hall and Steinway Hall and New York’s Alice Tully Hall, Carnegie Hall and the New World Center.
Principal Trumpet Manny Laureano, who joined the Minnesota Orchestra in 1981 after four years as principal with the Seattle Symphony Orchestra, has performed solos in all the Orchestra’s concert series and served as an assistant conductor during the 2005-06 season. In 1983 he performed the American premiere of the Wildgans Concerto for Trumpet with Leonard Slatkin conducting. In 2003 he premiered Stephen Paulus’ Concerto for Two Trumpets and Orchestra, which was written for him and Doc Severinsen, who was then the Orchestra’s principal pops conductor. His other solos with the Orchestra have included trumpet concertos by Hummel and Haydn, Copland’s Quiet City, Clarke’s Southern Cross, Vizzutti’s Compadre, Hertel’s Concerto a cinque in D major, Bach’s Second Brandenburg Concerto, and concertos by Arutunian and Tomasi. Most recently, he was featured as the co-soloist in the Concerto for Piano and Trumpet No. 1 by Shostakovich.
Plan your visit
- Running Time
- ~2 hours, including intermission
- Doors Open
- 1 hour, 30 mins prior to performance
- Come early for Sounds + Bites!
5:30 PM - $7 Happy Hour
5:45-6:45 PM - Free entertainment in Target Atrium: Peter Kogan's The 'TarBone Quintet
Plus, enjoy food vendors inside Orchestra Hall and shop wares from local vendors.
View the food menu.
Sponsored by
The 2024-2025 Classical Season is presented by Ameriprise Financial.
