Artistic Director Daniel Meyer previews Russian Masters coming up Saturday, October 12, 2019, at the Palace Theatre
One of the most striking aspects of Russian music is its capacity to drive straight to the heart. Through soaring melodies, rich harmonies, and vivid orchestration, Shostakovich, Prokofiev, and Tchaikovsky were all masters in their own way of making such a direct impact on our emotions.
Tchaikovsky’s Polonaise is regal, celebratory, and filled with pageantry. Prokofiev’s 2nd Concerto is enigmatic – at turns soul searching at others dances with Spanish castanets.
I cannot wait to introduce Alexi Kenney to our WSO audiences on Opening Night to play Prokofiev’s 2nd Violin Concerto. He’s such a bright star in his enthusiasm, his virtuosity, and his energetic approach to everything he plays.
We cap the evening with Shostakovich’s incredibly powerful 5th Symphony. Written to save his own artistic reputation in the face of a terribly oppressive Soviet regime, the 5th teems with soul, deep searching, and militaristic might. It’s a stunning orchestral showcase for our WSO musicians, and I hope you will agree that it is a wonderful way to start our season.
Daniel Meyer, Artistic Director
