Pasadena Symphony to Close Out Season with Grieg Piano Concerto, 5/2

The Pasadena Symphony concludes its exhilarating season with a bang on Saturday May 2, 2105. Hear award-winning Venezuelan pianist Gabriela Martinez performing the Grieg's hugely popular piano concerto and taste the rapture and romance of Romeo & Juliet as summoned up by one of the greatest Russian masters, Prokofiev at Ambassador Auditorium with matinee and evening performances at both 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.

The romantic Piano Concerto written by Edvard Grieg, "the Chopin of the North," explores the expressive drama, joy, and adulation of Norwegian folk dances and festivities, written for his beloved wife Clara. Romantic programming weaves together the evening, as Sergei Prokofiev's dramatic tragic interpretation of Romeo and Juliet creates a virtual retelling of Shakespeare's most famous work with excerpts that bring the passionate zest of the story to life. Christopher Rouse's Rapture, unlocks the powerful bombastic strength of the entire orchestra with as Rouse describes, "a progression to an ever more blinding ecstasy!"

"As we look back, we're inspired by this landmark season under the full artistic direction of Music Director David Lockington and Principal Guest Conductor Nicholas McGegan," says Lora Unger, CEO of the Pasadena Symphony Association adding "we've made a pronounced impact on our audience and they're enthusiastically responding to it... it sets the stage for even greater things to come next year as we expand our Classics Series to six concert weekends."

Lauded by The New York Times as "compelling, elegant, and incisive," Venezuelan pianist Gabriela Martinez is quickly establishing a reputation and earning praise as a versatile artist who combines "panache and poetry" (Dallas Morning News) with a "sense of grace and clarity" (The Star Ledger).

Performances are accompanied by a popular pre-concert discussion that gives the audience insights into the music and musicians one-hour before curtain. Audiences are invited to luxuriate in the lively Sierra Auto Symphony Lounge, yet another addition to the delightful and elegant concert experience the Pasadena Symphony offers. Located in the beautiful outdoor plaza at the Ambassador Auditorium, audiences can enjoy a deliciously prepared lunch and dinner menu specially created for the evening by Claud and Co, fine wines, and sparkling conversation before the concert and during intermission. Menu highlights include Vegetarian Italian wedding soup, Burratta cheese and arugula with crispy Prosciutto and balsamic vinaigrette, and Penne pasta with chicken, spring shelling pea's garlic and basil pesto.

The Ambassador Auditorium is located at 131 South St. John Avenue, Pasadena, CA. Ticket prices start at $20 and may be purchased online at www.pasadenasymphony-pops.org or by calling (626) 793-7172.

IF YOU GO:

• What: The Pasadena Symphony presents Grieg Piano Concerto
• Conductor: David Lockington, conductor
• Soloist: Gabriela Martinez, piano
• When: Saturday, May 2 at 2:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m.
• Where: Ambassador Auditorium | 131 South St. John Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91105
• Cost: Tickets start at $20.00
• Parking: Valet parking with wheelchair access is available on Green Street for $15. ADA and general parking are available in the parking lots adjacent to the Auditorium on St. John for $10. Additional ada parking is also located at the above-ground parking lot adjacent to the Auditorium (entrance on St. John Ave.) for $10. Parking purchased onsite is cash only.
• Sierra Auto Symphony Lounge: Located on the plaza at Ambassador Auditorium. Open before the concert and during intermission.
• Pre-Concert Discussion: Pre-concert discussion with David Lockington begins one hour before curtain and is available to all ticket holders.

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