Liszt and Dvořák
Fri Jan 31 — Sat Feb 1, 2025
Orchestra Hall
Piano works by Franz Liszt exude drama and virtuosity, fitting pianist George Li perfectly. Li’s focus on English literature changed his approach to music—and is exemplified in his Tchaikovsky Competition Silver Medal. Du Yun’s Kracken addresses in-betweenness, and Antonín Dvořák’s Sixth Symphony gets some well-deserved attention.
A Few Things to Know
- At the age of 15, pianist George Li performed for President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama in the White House Rose Garden.
- Dvořák’s Sixth Symphony “breathes the sweet fragrance and unspoiled beauty of Czech woods and meadows,” according to music writer and Dvořák biographer Otakar Sourek.
- Du Yun’s Kraken is named after the mythological gigantic sea monster akin to a giant squid; Krakens have been referenced in movies such as Clash of the Titans and Pirates of the Caribbean 2, and are the namesake for a Seattle’s NHL hockey team, a crypto-currency exchange, and a brand of Caribbean spiced rum.
- Plan your visit to Orchestra Hall
Artists
Minnesota Orchestra
Nuno Coelho
conductor
George Li
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 began his second season as music director.
Nuno Coelho has been chief conductor and artistic director of Spain’s Orquesta Sinfónica del Principado de Asturias since October 2022. In addition to concerts in Oviedo, the 2023-24 season sees Coelho debut with Frankfurt’s hr-Sinfonieorchester, Orquestra Sinfônica de São Paulo, Madrid’s Orquesta Nacional de España and Orchestre Philharmonique Royal de Liège, alongside returns to the Orchestre Philharmonique du Luxembourg and Gulbenkian Orchestra.
Praised by The Washington Post for combining “staggering technical prowess, a sense of command and depth of expression,” pianist George Li possesses an effortless grace, poised authority, and brilliant virtuosity far beyond his years. Since winning the Silver Medal at the 2015 International Tchaikovsky Competition, Li has rapidly established a major international reputation and performs regularly with some of the world’s leading orchestras and conductors, such as Dudamel, Gaffigan, Gergiev, Gimeno, Honeck, Orozco-Estrada, Petrenko, Robertson, Slatkin, Temirkanov, Tilson Thomas, Long Yu and Xian Zhang.
Plan your visit
- Pre-concert activities
- Valet Parking
- Pre-order Beverages
- Directions & Parking
- Helpful Tips
Half Off Half Hour
50% off wine, beer, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages.
- For 7pm concerts: 5:30-6pm
- For 8pm concerts: 6:30-7pm
- For 11am concerts: 9:30-10am
- For 2pm concerts: 12:30-1pm
Pre-concert Activity
When: Fri, Jan 31 | 7:15-45PM
Where: Target Atrium
Arrive early and join Assistant Principal Librarian Valerie Little for a pre-concert discussion about tonight's program in the Target Atrium.
Pre-concert Performance
The MacPhail Suzuki Vivace Violin Group
When: Sat, Feb 1 | 6:15-45PM
Where: Target Atrium
The MacPhail Suzuki Vivace Violin Group is a performance group for advanced violin students ages 10–17 years old, with an emphasis on improving musicianship, performance practice, leadership skills, and artistry with the violin.
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.
Download the MinnOrch App
With our mobile app, you can pre-order intermission drinks, scan your ticket for entry and more. You'll also get exclusive deals just for app users!
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 2024-2025 Classical Season is presented by Ameriprise Financial.
