Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet
Fri Feb 9 — Sat Feb 10, 2024
Orchestra Hall
Smetana, Prokofiev, two thrilling debuts and a Minnesota Orchestra first all at once! Conductor Ruth Reinhardt and saxophonist Steven Banks, a 2022 Avery Fisher Career Grant recipient, make their debuts with the Minnesota Orchestra to showcase Billy Childs’ recently premiered Diaspora, a concerto for saxophone and orchestra. The work co-commissioned by the Orchestra highlights Black experiences in America, with inspiration from poets including Langston Hughes and Maya Angelou. Then: romance, drama and intrigue capture the evening with a suite from Prokofiev’s gripping ballet score.
A Few Things to Know
- Composer Billy Childs has been the recipient of 16 Grammy nominations and five Grammy Awards.
- Steven Banks is the first saxophonist to capture First Prize at the Young Concert Artists Susan Wadsworth International Auditions in the organization’s 60-year history.
- The suite from Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet that is performed in this program was compiled by conductor Ruth Reinhardt.
Program
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SMETANA
Šárka, from Má vlast (My Homeland)
1 min noteOne Minute Note
Bedřich Smetana’s distinctly Czech symphonic poem is a miniature orchestral drama based on the tale of the legendary Amazon of Bohemian folklore, telling of the young heroine Šárka—her romantic betrayal, rage and vengeance.
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CHILDS
Diaspora (Concerto for Saxophone and Orchestra)
1 min noteOne Minute Note
In this rarity—a concerto for saxophone and orchestra—Billy Childs’ music draws inspiration from the poetry of Nayyirah Waheed, Claude McKay and Maya Angelou to tell a unique story of Black experiences in America.
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PROKOFIEV
Romeo and Juliet Suite
1 min noteOne Minute Note
Eight selections from Sergei Prokofiev’s ballet Romeo and Juliet, chosen for these performances by Ruth Reinhardt, summon vivid images of Shakespeare’s romantic tragedy, from a masked ball to a violent duel to the lovers’ tragic end.
Artists
Minnesota Orchestra
Ruth Reinhardt
conductor
Steven Banks
saxophone
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.
German conductor Ruth Reinhardt is building a reputation for a keen musical intelligence, programmatic imagination, and elegant performances. In the 2023-24 season, her plans include leading her first staged opera, a production of La Traviata for the Royal Swedish Opera in Stockholm, directed by Ellen Lamm and featuring the young rising voices of Ida Falk Winland and Joel Annmo. She continues to build her already burgeoning reputation among symphony orchestras, making debut appearances with the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, Helsinki Philharmonic and WDR Symphony Orchestra Cologne.
As a performer and composer, saxophonist Steven Banks is striving to bring his instrument to the heart of the classical music world. He is driven to program and write music that directly addresses aspects of the human experience and is an active and intentional supporter of diverse voices in the future of concert music.
Plan your visit
- Pre-concert activities
- Valet Parking
- Pre-order Beverages
- Directions & Parking
- Helpful Tips
Pre-Concert Performance by Ballet Co.Laboratory
When: Fri Feb 9, 7:15-7:45pm | Sat Feb 10, 6:15-6:45pm
Join the Company of Ballet Co.Laboratory for a performance of Juliet's solo, a pas de deux, and other excerpts from Romeo and Juliet as well as excerpts from Les Sylphides with music by Frédéric Chopin. Ballet Co.Laboratory honors the foundations of Ballet while moving the art form forward by collaborating with our community and advancing equity in the classical arts.
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.
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.
