The NHSO and Music Director William Boughton open the 2011-2012 concert season on Thursday, September 22, 7:30pm, at Woolsey Hall, New Haven with Peace, Love, and Light. This stirring program introduces pianist Michael Brown, a rising star of the classical world, performing Beethoven’s stormy Piano Concerto no. 3. Completing the program are Rossini’s Overture to The Barber of Seville, Mendelssohn’s Symphony no. 4, “Italian,” and Peace Love Light YOUMEONE, a work by Yale composer Christopher Theofanidis. Peace, Love, and Light is made possible in part by concert sponsors Elim Park, Town Fair Tire, and season media sponsor New Haven Register.
Discussing Beethoven’s Piano Concerto no. 3 Maestro Boughton calls the work “dramatic, with sharp rhythmical contrasts, and slow, ethereal phrases. A whirlwind of a fugue and cadenza wraps up the concerto’s finale with the flourish of a summer thunderstorm performed by Michael Brown.” Michael Brown’s flair for pianistic drama has been hailed as “vividly characterized” and “free-spirited” by the New York Times. He was recently awarded First Prize and the Victor and Sono Elmaleh Award in the 2010 Concert Artists Guild Competition. Mr. Brown is one of the NHSO’s New Generation Artists, a program designed to foster outstanding young American talent.
Christopher Theofanidis’ impressionistic Peace Love Light YOUMEONE will dazzle listeners with its calm, beautiful, and eerie ascending scales. With its inspiration drawn from the color and light of the Italian countryside, Mendelssohn’s Symphony no. 4 provides a joyful and dynamic conclusion to the concert.
Tickets ($10-65) can be purchased by contacting the NHSO Box Office at (203) 865-0831, ext. 10 or by CLICKING HERE.
PRE-CONCERT ACTIVITIES
Join the NHSO for Prelude, a lively pre-concert discussion, from 6:30-7:00pm at the Slifka Center. Christopher Theofanidis discusses his composition Peace Love Light YOUMEONE. Preludes are engaging, enlightening, and free. Or, connect with fellow music lovers for Symphony Supper at Zinc, New Haven’s innovative farm-to-table dining experience at 5:30pm. $40 per person includes a gourmet three-course meal and tip. Cash bar with premium wines available. Seating is strictly limited; reserve early to avoid disappointment. RSVP to Elaine or call 203.865.0831, ext. 12.
DR. REGINA WARNER TRIBUTE
Opening night pays tribute to Dr. Regina M. Lilly-Warner, who was a pianist, organist, violist, choral singer, and opera singer. As an educator she worked as Supervisor of Music for New Haven Public Schools and served as a long-time NHSO Board Member. Dr. Warner was also a social and civic leader, and recipient of numerous awards for her work in the community. Children were her greatest passion, and she was strongly invested in their educational achievements. Following the concert, patrons are invited to celebrate the life and musical legacy of Dr. Warner at a benefit reception. Tickets for the reception are $25 each. All proceeds support the NHSO’s education programs.
All programs subject to change without notice.
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