Søndergård, Gerstein and Rachmaninoff
Thu May 2 — Fri May 3, 2024
Orchestra Hall
Metal, wood, water, fire and earth comprise the five universal materials that serve as the inspiration for Qigang Chen’s The Five Elements. And in Also sprach Zarathustra, Richard Strauss immerses us into an exploration of nature, evolution and humanity, setting up a powerful concert full of discovery (plus, of course, that iconic theme used in 2001: A Space Odyssey!). At the program’s center, pianist Kirill Gerstein returns to the keys for another spectacular Rachmaninoff piano concerto experience.
A Few Things to Know
- Composer Qigang Chen served as the music director for the Opening Ceremony of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China.
- In an interview for The New York Times, Kirill Gerstein said of Rachmaninoff: “When I think of his music, one of the words that flashes in my mind is sincerity.”
- Music from Also sprach Zarathustra has found its way into numerous film and movie soundtracks, including 2001: A Space Odyssey, Barbie, Toy Story 2, Zoolander and WALL-E.
Program
-
CHEN
The Five Elements
-
RACHMANINOFF
Piano Concerto No. 1
-
STRAUSS
Also sprach Zarathustra
Artists
Minnesota Orchestra
Thomas Søndergård
conductor
Kirill Gerstein
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. This past fall, Danish conductor Thomas Søndergård began his tenure as music director.
Danish conductor Thomas Søndergård, who in fall 2023 began his tenure as music director of the Minnesota Orchestra, is a highly regarded conductor in both the orchestral and opera spheres. He has earned a reputation for incisive interpretations of works by composers from his native Denmark, a great versatility in a broad range of standard and modern repertoire, and a collaborative approach with the musicians he leads. His inaugural season began in September 2023 with two weeks of historic concerts highlighted by Richard Strauss’ Alpine Symphony and, with the Minnesota Chorale, Ravel’s complete ballet score Daphnis and Chloe. Another season highlight will come in June 2024, as he conducts season finale concerts of music by LGBTQ+ composers.
Plan Your Visit
- Pre-concert activities
- Valet Parking
- Pre-order Beverages
- Directions & Parking
- Helpful Tips
CONCERT PREVIEW
WITH PHIL GAINSLEYPhillip Gainsley interviews musicians as a preview to the concert.
- Thurs, May 2 | 10:15 - 10:35 am
On Stage - Fri, May 3 | 7:15 - 7:45 pm
Target Atrium
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.
Gerstein presents himself as a real artist, a sound poet who knows how to cast a spell over his listeners.”
Video: Kirill Gerstein - Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 3
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.
