FESTIVAL VIRÉE CLASSIQUE

OSM
Kent Nagano, conductor
Charles Richard-Hamelin, piano

Program:
Barber, Adagio for Strings
Gershwin, Rhapsody in Blue, for piano and orchestra
Shostakovich, The Golden Age, op. 22 (excerpts)

Among the most popular works of the American repertoire are Barber’s Adagio for Strings and Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. In a return engagement with the OSM, pianist Charles Richard-Hamelin performs Gershwin’s powerful jazz- and pop-inspired work. Written at the same time, the music from Shostakovich’s ballet The Golden Age relates the adventures of a Soviet football team visiting the West for the first time. A case of culture shock!

Artists :
Kent Nagano, conductor
Carlo Colombo, Stéphane Lévesque, Mathieu Harel, Martin Mangrum, Michael Sundell, bassoons
Ensemble composed of OSM musicians, winners of the OSM Competition and guest artists

Program:
Simon Leclerc, Concerto grosso for four bassoons, contrabassoon and orchestra (OSM commission – world premiere)
Prokofiev, Peter and the Wolf, symphonic tale, op. 67

Discover the orchestra through the musical tale of Peter and the Wolf. Follow the adventures of the different characters, each represented by a particular instrument. You’ll meet Peter (strings), the wolf (horns) and grandfather (bassoon). In fact, the bassoon will have a starring role in this concert. You will hear the world premiere of a work for this instrument specially written for this event. The perfect way to share a love of music with the family!

In the wake of last year’s success, Virtuose : le spectacle returns, with its young instrumentalists accompanied by their mentor, Gregory Charles, at the piano. An opportunity to hear both classical works and popular pieces that will enchant both young and older audiences. Bring your special requests: the virtuosos are up for the challenge!

OSM
Kent Nagano, conductor
Sharon Isbin, guitar

Program:
Verdi, La forza del destino: Overture
Joaquín Rodrigo, Concerto de Aranjuez, for guitar and orchestra
Bizet, L’Arlésienne, Suite no. 2: Minuet
Theodorakis, Zorba’s Dance

The famous Zorba’s Dance by composer Mikis Theodorakis is an unfailing crowd pleaser and is guaranteed to whisk you away to Greece! Continue on your European Mediterranean journey as you listen to the exquisite overture of the opera La forza del destino, set in Spain and Italy, followed by a gem of the repertoire for guitar and orchestra by the Spanish composer Joaquín Rodrigo. The change of scenery you’ve been dreaming about!

OSM
Kent Nagano, conductor
Till Fellner, piano
Veronika Eberle, violin
Soloists and the OSM Chorus
Andrew Megill, OSM chorus master

Program:
Beethoven, Elegiac Song, op. 118
Bach, Concerto for Violin no. 2 in E major, BWV 1042
Beethoven, Choral Fantasy, op. 80 (version for solo piano and chorus)

A refined and profound work, J.S. Bach’s Concerto for Violin no. 2 is performed by German violinist Veronika Eberle, while Beethoven’s Choral Fantasy shines the spotlight on the OSM Chorus and pianist Till Fellner, who enthralled Maison symphonique audiences last year. As well, the Chorus and its dynamic conductor Andrew Megill invite you into a state of quiet contemplation with Beethoven’s Elegiac Song.