Princeton Symphony Orchestra to Welcome Pianist Natasha Paremski, 11/2

On Sunday, November 2, at 4 pm, the Princeton Symphony Orchestra (PSO) presents Classically Russian, a concert featuring Natasha Paremski performing Tchaikovsky's popular Piano Concerto No. 1, William Bolcom's Commedia for "Almost" 18th Century Orchestra and Stravinsky's Petrushka,. PSO Music Director Rossen Milanov conducts the PSO at Richardson Auditorium in Alexander Hall, on the campus of Princeton University. This is the PSO's annual Edward T. Cone Concert, presented in memory of the much admired and respected Princeton University music professor, author, and composer Edward T. Cone. Concert ticket-holders are invited to a post-concert reception at the Princeton University Art Museum and a self-guided tour of selected artwork in the museum's European Collection related to music being performed at the concert.

A prime example of Russian Romanticism, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's popular Piano Concerto No. 1 is characterized by novel structural elements and complex figurations for the piano soloist. Guest pianist Natasha Paremski, herself Russian, is known for her striking and dynamic performances. She handles "explosive passagework with the confidence of a true master" (San Francisco Chronicle).

Ms. Paremski has performed with the Minnesota Orchestra, Colorado Symphony, Orchestra of St. Luke's Chamber Ensemble and the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra. She has appeared in numerous festivals around the US and recently she toured the United Kingdom with the Moscow Philharmonic, performing Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto No. 2.

Rossen Milanov gives some insight into Ms. Paremski's artistry:

Natasha was trained in Russia and came to this country with her parents when she was a teenager. After she lost her father to cancer, she transformed into a different human being and a different type of musician, as if her father's spirit infused her virtuosity with heightened sensitivity and understanding. She has become one of the most profound artists of our time.

The program begins with American composer William Bolcom's Commedia for "Almost" 18th Century Orchestra, a delightful piece which portrays commedia dell'arte figures in a clever jumble of musical elements including a rousing tarantella dance. Bolcom's intent was to fashion a work which evoked "all things Italian." The resulting ten-minute piece is mocking and theatrical and includes Petrushka-like segments, making it an ideal pairing with Stravinksy's Petrushka which will conclude the program. Commedia was commissioned in 1971 for the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra. Mr. Milanov, an enthusiast of William Bolcom's work, met the composer years ago at the University of Michigan where they were both on the faculty.

Unrequited love and the human condition are the themes of Igor Stravinsky's ballet score Petrushka. The PSO will be performing the 1947 version of this work depicting four tableaux centered on the story of "Petrushka," a commedia dell'arte-inspired puppet who falls hopelessly in love with a ballerina and ultimately meets his fate at the hand of his rival, a sabre-brandishing Moor. Who is more human, the puppet Petrushka or the magician puppeteer who brings all three characters to life? Patrons can decide for themselves as they listen to this magical score.

On Wednesday, October 22, at 7 pm, at the PSO Soundtracks lecture "What Does Petrushka Mean?," Petrushka will be discussed by renowned Russian music and dance expert Simon Morrison, Professor of Music at Princeton University. The talk is presented by the Princeton Symphony Orchestra in partnership with the Princeton Public Library, and will be held in the library's Community Room. Free and open to the public; refreshments will be served.

The post-concert reception at Princeton University Art Museum is free and open to concert ticket-holders.

Tickets for Classically Russian are on sale at the following price levels: $75, $60, $48, and $30. Available via the PSO website www.princetonsymphony.org or by phone: (609) 497-0020.

Four-concert PSO Classical Series subscriptions are now being offered at $248, $202, $156, $104, and $88 levels, with up to 18% savings off full-priced tickets. Order online or call (609) 497-0020 for the best possible remaining subscription seats.

Photo by Andrea Joynt

To post a comment, you must register and login.