Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra Presents BEETHOVEN AND BEYOND Tonight

Nearly 220 years ago this very week, Beethoven premiered his Piano Concerto No. 2 in B Flat major, Op.19. Relive the thrill of this brilliant composer's first concerto tonight, March 22, 8:00 p.m. at the Michigan Theater, through our returning guest, pianist Adam Golka.

Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 2 was a "presentation piece" for Beethoven as he looked to establish himself in Vienna after moving from Bonn. Soloing at its premiere in 1795, Beethoven made his first public debut. Until that point, he had performed exclusively in the private salons of the Viennese nobility. This work is written very much in the likeness of Mozart's; however, Beethoven uses a sense of drama and contrast unusual for the time.

Adam Golka, back for his second performance with the A2technique and expression. He has garnered international prizes including the 2008 Gilmore Young Artist Award, first prize in the 2ndthe 2009 Max I. Allen Classical Fellowship Award of the American Pianists Association. Golka has performed all five Beethoven Piano concertos both nationally and internationally. Born and raised in Texas, the 26-year old studied with Leon Fleisher and continues his work in master classes with Andras Schiff and Mitsuko Unchida. He currently resides in New York City.

Audience members will recognize the tone poem by Richard Strauss, Also sprach Zarathustra, made popular as the theme from the film 2001: A Space Odyssey. This piece has been part of the classical repertoire since its premiere in 1896. Also referred to as "Thus spoke Zarathustra," this piece is divided into nine sections played with only three definite pauses. Humanity and the universe are represented by their own unique melodies. Audience members will have the rare treat of hearing the mighty Barton Organ of the Michigan Theater play a key part of this work.

Fanfare for Great Woods, or rather, Short Ride in a Fast Machine by John Adams, is a fanfare commissioned by the Great Woods Festival of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. This brief and dramatic piece debuted in 1986, and it is one of the most performed orchestral works composed in the last 25 years.

Join your Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra and guest performer Adam Golka on Saturday, March 22 as we go to Beethoven and Beyond.

This concert is made possible with support from the MCACA and NEA.

The Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra is a premier regional orchestra offering live, symphonic music for audiences of diverse ages and classical music experiences. The A2SO touches the lives of over 76,000 people every year, from tiny tots to seasoned citizens in venues ranging from the Michigan Theater to Hill Auditorium, as well as schools in the five-county area including Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, and Dexter District Libraries, and senior citizen centers. For concert or educational programming information, contact the A2SO by calling (734) 994-4801 or emailing info@a2so.com.