2009-2010 Season, Concert 1
October 8, 10 and 11
Brahms: Violin Concerto
Feng Ning, violin
Dvořák: Symphony No. 7
The Boston Philharmonic begins the 2009–2010 season by introducing Boston audiences to the extraordinary artistry of Feng Ning. The amazing gifts of this young Chinese violinist were recognized right away by Yehudi Menuhin when he came to study at London’s Royal Academy of Music in 1998. A few years later they were formally acknowledged by the entire faculty at this world renowned school of music, which awarded him a perfect grade of 100% on his final recital. This had never happened in the entire 200 year history of the Royal Academy, an institution that over the course of its existence has trained literally thousands of the world’s most respected violinists! This honor made waves, as did his subsequent winning of the Paganini International Violin Competition in Italy, a major benchmark for violin virtuosos. His career has skyrocketed since then, with appearances all over Europe and the United States.
Feng Ning’s playing is distinguished by an impassioned, romantic sensibility tempered by classical poise, completely free of affectation. Some listeners with long memories have been reminded of the young Isaac Stern. His tone is of silken refinement, his intonation flawless. His playing can be sampled in a number of clips on YouTube, including an astounding performance of the Brahms Violin Concerto, a work for which he has such a deep affinity that it has become his international calling card.
Dvořák’s Seventh Symphony concludes this program. Although somewhat overshadowed by the Eighth Symphony and the “New World,” it is this symphony that most musicians consider to be the composer’s greatest. Its endlessly inventive lyricism is imbued with a disturbing, confessional darkness. Dvořák’s s true visage, which so often seems to be hidden behind a mask of nationalism, seems clearly discernible in this soulful, wondrously beautiful work. And, as so often, Dvořák’s debt to Brahms is clear and pervasive, making the symphony a perfect companion piece to the older composer’s Violin Concerto.
Programming is subject to change. |
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Thursday, October 8, 2009
Sanders Theatre
Discovery Series, 7:30pm
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Jordan Hall
Pre-concert talk, 6:45pm
Concert, 8:00pm
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Sanders Theatre
Pre-concert talk, 1:45pm
Concert, 3:00pm
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Current Season 
2009-2010 Season