Jeffrey Kahane To Return to the Philharmonic

Jeffrey Kahane will return to the New York Philharmonic to conduct and perform Ravel's Piano Concerto in G major and Gershwin's Concerto in F and to lead Weill's Symphony No. 2, Thursday, March 20, 2014, at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, March 21 at 8:00 p.m.; Saturday March 22 at 8:00 p.m.; and Tuesday, March 25 at 7:30 p.m.

The Philharmonic performed the 1925 World Premiere of Gershwin's Concerto in F - commissioned by former Music Director Walter Damrosch for the Philharmonic - with the composer as soloist. Ravel wrote his Piano Concerto in G major after Gershwin took him to Harlem to hear jazz, and that influence is evident in both concertos on this program. The Philharmonic also gave the U.S. Premiere of Weill's Symphony No. 2 in 1934; this program marks the Orchestra's first performance of the work since then.

Mr. Kahane will also lead and perform in the Saturday Matinee Concert March 22 at 2:00 p.m., featuring Ravel's Piano Concerto in G major and Gershwin's Concerto in F. The concert opens with Philharmonic principal players - Principal Associate Concertmaster Sheryl Staples, Assistant Concertmaster Michelle Kim, Principal Viola Cynthia Phelps, and Associate Principal Cello Eileen Moon - performing Debussy's String Quartet. Each of the concerts on this season's Saturday Matinee series includes chamber music by French composers.

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? Pre-Concert Talks

Composer Joelle Wallach will introduce the program. Pre-Concert Talks are $7; discounts available for multiple talks, students, and groups. They take place one hour before each performance in the Helen Hull Room, unless otherwise noted. Attendance is limited to 90 people. Information: nyphil.org/preconcert or (212) 875-5656.