2008-2009 Season
When we were children we were allowed to choose whatever we wanted to eat for our birthday, so I decided for this auspicious season – the 30th for the BPO and the 70th for me, I would put together a program of the most delectable treats.
First of all I chose four soloists, each representing a different aspect of the musical world.
In 40 joyous years of teaching children at the New England Conservatory Prep School, I have come across a handful that I would have to call geniuses. The latest of these is George Li, who at thirteen is the youngest soloist ever engaged by the BPO. But I did not invite George because he is young (I have the usual misgivings about child prodigies), but rather because I am fascinated how someone at the tender age of twelve or thirteen can have developed the emotional skills (as well as the technical ones) to play a masterpiece like Saint-Saëns' Second Piano Concerto. What a joy it will be to share such a vibrant spirit with my friends.
I discovered Gilles Apap about 10 years ago when I saw a mind-blowing video - a gypsy, bluegrass, country-fiddler, jazz improviser and a deeply serious classical musician, all rolled into one (check out You Tube to see what I mean). In Bach’s Double Concerto (with Peggy Pearson, a colleague for so many years and my own favorite oboist) and Berg’s Violin Concerto, he will demonstrate his classical “chops”.
Venezuelan pianist Gabriela Montero was new to Boston audiences when she first appeared with the BPO three seasons ago. Now, Gabriela has moved to the area, and with a segment on CBS’ “60 Minutes” behind her she has become a household name with a career that takes her all around the world. She is the best possible birthday present. Welcome to Boston , Gabriela!
Over the past thirty years we have had a distinguished line of grand masters who bring a life-time of experience and special insight to certain repertoire. Every string player will thrill to the news that Natalia Gutman will be back to play a cello recital, give a master class at NEC, and perform her own favorite work for cello and orchestra - the Symphony-Concerto for Cello and Orchestra of Prokofiev. Last time we turned away scores of concert goers. This time be sure to assure your seats by subscribing.
Next I chose four familiar masterpieces: Dvo?ák’s “New World” Symphony (the first symphony I played as a cellist) , Beethoven's “Eroica” (the symphony I have conducted more than any other and the one I know I will never conquer), Brahms Second Symphony (the first symphony I ever conducted), and Rachmaninoff’s Third Piano Concerto, Gabriela’s signature piece. These four are amongst my all-time favorite musical dishes.
Added to that are some less familiar treats: Bartók’s Dance Suite; Lutoslawski’s Concerto for Orchestra, Berg's Violin Concerto, Prokofiev's Symphony-Concerto for Cello and Orchestra. It's going to be a delicious birthday for the BPO and for me too.
In the pre-concert talks I will help you understand the unfamiliar pieces and point to some of the things that will make even the most frequently performed pieces seem fresh again.
I can hardly wait. See you in October.
Warmest best wishes,
Benjamin Zander
Conductor and Music Director | |
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2008-2009 Season
Concert 1
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