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Palisades Virtuosi to Perform at Church of the Atonement, 4/1 by BWW News Desk
- March 21, 2016 The Palisades Virtuosi flute, clarinet and piano trio presents In Tribute (Anniversaries & Comemmorations), the second concert of their 2015-2016 season on Friday, April 1 at 7:30 PM at Church of the Atonement, 97 Highwood Avenue, at Engle Street in Tenafly, New Jersey.
American Symphony Orchestra Announces New Season by BWW News Desk
- March 21, 2016 The American Symphony Orchestra and music director Leon Botstein return to Carnegie Hall for the ensemble's 55th season of concerts, the Vanguard Series, on October 19, 2016, and continue through May 12, 2017. Four programs of wide-ranging and distinct repertoire will explore notable topics, including an opera and an oratorio, in addition to orchestral works.
ALEXANDER'S FEAST to Open LA Master Chorale 'Hidden Handel' Project by BWW News Desk
- March 21, 2016 The Los Angeles Master Chorale (LAMC), led by Artistic Director Grant Gershon, transforms Walt Disney Concert Hall into a festive banquet hall in the ancient Persian city of Persepolis for two immersive performances of eminent director Trevore Ross's semi-staged production of Handel's Alexander's Feast, created for the LA Master Chorale to launch its multi-year 'Hidden Handel' project on Saturday, April 16, 2 pm, and Sunday, April 17, 2016, 7 pm.
Canton Symphony Presents World Premiere of Bela Fleck's Second Banjo Concerto Tonight by BWW News Desk
- March 19, 2016 Anticipation for the World Premiere of Béla Fleck's second banjo concerto has been mounting. Coming off his recent Grammy Award win for Best Folk Album, he will premiere the piece with the Canton Symphony Orchestra (CSO) tonight, March 19, at 8:00pm at Umstattd Performing Arts Hall, adjacent to the Zimmermann Symphony Center.
Richmond Symphony Presents Saint-Saëns' CARNIVAL OF THE ANIMALS Today by BWW News Desk
- March 19, 2016 March 7, 2016 – Richmond, Virginia Meet some of the wonderful members of the animal kingdom in Saint-Saëns' famous Carnival of the Animals today, March 19 at 11am. This popular and beloved work is part of the Union Bank & Trust LolliPops Series and is an all-time favorite for introducing children to classical music. Each of the movements represent a different member of the animal kingdom, including a lion, swan and elephant. Joining the Richmond Symphony to help represent the animals will be The School of Richmond Ballet and guest pianists Daniel Stipe and Charles Staples. Special narration will be provided by Virginia Repertory Theatre's Bruce Miller. The concert will be held at the Carpenter Theatre, Dominion Arts Center, and led by guest conductor Ankush Kumar Bahl. The concert will include additional works by Brahms, Rimsky-Korsakov and Saint-Saëns.
Milwaukee Symphony Presents William Walton's Henry V: A Shakespeare Scenario Tonight by BWW News Desk
- March 19, 2016 Marking the 400th anniversary of the death of William Shakespeare, the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and Music Director Edo de Waart will present two performances of William Walton's Henry V: A Shakespeare Scenario tonight and tomorrow, March 19 at 8:00 p.m. and March 20 at 2:30 p.m. at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts.
Vancouver Bach Choir Closes 85th Season with ST. MATTHEW PASSION Tonight by BWW News Desk
- March 19, 2016 Vancouver Bach Choir concludes its monumental 85th anniversary season with J. S. Bach's St. Matthew Passion, tonight, March 19, 7:30pm at The Orpheum. Celebrated as a pinnacle accomplishment in music history, 'The Great Passion' will be gloriously illuminated by the venerable symphonic choir alongside the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, and a cast of internationally acclaimed soloists.
Houston Symphony to Welcome Superheroes to Jones Hall This Month by BWW News Desk
- March 18, 2016 Associate Conductor Robert Franz will lead the Houston Symphony in Superheroes at the Symphony!, a musically adventurous family concert revealing the superpowers of the orchestra's instruments at 10 and 11:30 a.m. March 26.
Music Director Riccardo Muti Returns to Conduct the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, 4/7 by BWW News Desk
- March 18, 2016 Music Director Riccardo Muti returns to Chicago in April for three weeks of concerts and activities April 7-26 during the Chicago Symphony Orchestra's 125th anniversary season. Muti and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) explore music by Berlioz, Tchaikovsky and Verdi inspired by the works of William Shakespeare in three programs featuring internationally acclaimed soloists as part of the CSO's celebration of Shakespeare in music during a year that marks the 400th anniversary of the Bard's death.
Nancy Pelosi to Join San Francisco Girs Chorus for Fundraising Gala, Today by BWW News Desk
- March 18, 2016 San Francisco, March 15, 2016 – Nancy Pelosi, the Democratic Leader of the U.S. House of Representatives for the 114th Congress , and mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade will join the Grammy Award-winning San Francisco Girls Chorus for its annual fundraising gala to support its acclaimed education and training programs for girls and young women Today, March 18, 6:30-10 pm at the City Club of San Francisco, 155 Sansome Street. The event's theme is “Honoring Strong Women's Voices”, and proceeds will support the education and scholarship programs of the five-time Grammy Award-winning San Francisco Girls Chorus, which has provided top-level musical training for girls and young women for 37 years.
Houston Symphony's 'Three Weeks of Beethoven' to Conclude with Beethoven 9 & Bernstein by BWW News Desk
- March 18, 2016 Completing year two of the its Three Weeks of Beethoven series, the Houston Symphony will perform Beethoven 9 & Bernstein at 8 p.m. March 18-19 and 2:30 p.m. March 20 under the direction of Music Director Andres Orozco-Estrada.
Pacific Symphony to Provide Live Accompaniment to 1925 Film BEN-HUR, Today by BWW News Desk
- March 18, 2016 Orange County, Calif.—Feb. 25, 2016—Pacific Symphony, led by Principal Pops Conductor Richard Kaufman, brings one of the most legendary silent films ever made—the 1925 larger-than-life “Ben-Hur”—to full breath-taking splendor in the concert hall, when the orchestra performs the score live as the movie is shown on the giant screen. The score—newly composed for the classic Hollywood hit—was written by Stewart Copeland, former drummer for “The Police,” who performs on drums and a myriad of percussion instruments (including trash cans to create the sounds of the Roman troops), alongside the orchestra for this movie extravaganza. With its enormous cast and crew and a visual scope that is awe-inspiring to this day, “Ben-Hur” tells the tale of a Jewish prince who is betrayed and sent into slavery by a Roman friend, but lives to regain his freedom and return for revenge. Buckle your seat belt for a wild chariot race, bloody battle scenes at sea and music that enhances every minute of it—all the ingredients for a very special event.
Oakland Symphony to Present World Premiere of Rokeach Piccolo Concerto, Today by BWW News Desk
- March 18, 2016 The world premiere of a new piccolo concerto by Bay Area composer Martin Rokeach highlights the Oakland Symphony's concert scheduled Today, March 18, at 8 pm at the Paramount Theatre in Oakland. Music Director Michael Morgan will conduct and the program also includes Cherubini's Requiem featuring the Oakland Symphony Chorus, Lynne Morrow, Director, and Beethoven's Second Symphony. The evening begins at 7 pm with no-host drinks, free pre-concert lobby entertainment and a pre-concert talk. Tickets are priced $20-$75 and may be purchased at www.OaklandSymphony.org or by calling 510-444-0802.
Oakland Symphony to Premiere Martin Rokeach's Piccolo Concerto, Today by BWW News Desk
- March 18, 2016 Oakland, CA, February 1, 2016 – The world premiere of a new piccolo concerto by Bay Area composer Martin Rokeach highlights the Oakland Symphony's concert scheduled Today, March 18, at 8 pm at the Paramount Theatre in Oakland. Music Director Michael Morgan will conduct and the program also includes Cherubini's Requiem featuring the Oakland Symphony Chorus, Lynne Morrow, Director, and Beethoven's Second Symphony. The evening begins at 7 pm with no-host drinks, free pre-concert lobby entertainment and a pre-concert talk. Tickets are priced $20-$75 and may be purchased at www.OaklandSymphony.org or by calling 510-444-0802.
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Announces April 2016 Lineup by BWW News Desk
- March 17, 2016 The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chamber Chorus will begin the month of April by honoring the late Robert Shaw with the first a cappella concert in Atlanta Symphony Hall on April 3 at 3:00 p.m. The Chamber Chorus will perform what has been considered Rachmaninov's finest achievement, All-Night Vigil ("Vespers").
Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra Releases Full Schedule for Edo de Waart's Final Season by BWW News Desk
- March 17, 2016 MILWAUKEE 03/16/2016 - The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and Music Director Edo de Waart announced plans today for the 2016.17 Classics season, de Waart's eighth and final as music director. The MSO will spend de Waart's valedictory season honoring his contributions to the orchestra and the tremendous growth in artistry that the MSO has achieved under his skilled direction.
The blockbuster season will include Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro - the third in the series of semi-staged operas, a performance by Itzhak Perlman with Edo de Waart conducting, and symphonies by Tchaikovsky, Beethoven, Shostakovich, Elgar, Bruckner, Mahler, and Brahms. Former MSO associate conductor and current music director of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, JoAnn Falletta returns to the MSO to conduct Rimsky-Korsakov's Scheherazade. The Naughton sisters once again join de Waart to perform Poulenc's Concerto for Two Pianos and Orchestra. Edo de Waart will conduct Holst's The Planets, which was on the first program he conducted with the MSO eight years ago. Under the direction of de Waart, Joseph Kalichstein (piano), Jaime Laredo (violin), and Sharon Robinson (cello) will perform Beethoven's Triple Concerto. Finally, de Waart with culminate eight years with the MSO by leading the orchestra in Mahler's beautiful and inspiring Symphony No. 3, which concluded his final concert of his first season with the orchestra.
Next season, the MSO returns to the Basilica of St. Josaphat for three concert weekends. Assistant Conductor Yaniv Dinur leads the MSO and MSO Chorus in John Luther Adams's Become Ocean and several additional works with the chorus. Matthew Halls conducts Mozart's Requiem for the second of the three Basilica concerts. Rounding out the Basilica series will be the perennial favorite Handel's Messiah in December. Additional performances will also be given at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, and new this year, the Concordia University of Wisconsin Chapel of Christ Triumphant.
The 2016.17 season also features four MSO musicians in solo roles: Concertmaster Frank Almond plays Mozart's Violin Concerto No. 1; Principal Clarinet Todd Levy plays Finzi's Concerto for Clarinet; Principal Cello Susan Babini plays Bloch's Schelomo; and Associate Concertmaster Ilana Setapen plays Barber's Violin Concerto.
“From the moment I stepped foot on stage with the MSO eight years ago, I have felt at home with this orchestra,” said Music Director Edo de Waart. “I said early on that the outstanding quality of Milwaukee's orchestra was the best kept secret in the Midwest. I don't think it's a secret anymore. It has been my privilege to be a part of the orchestra's growth and its continued development. I will treasure the friendships I've made and the time I have spent with these wonderful musicians and the Milwaukee community. As we embark upon our final season together, I hope that we can once again inspire, uplift, and excite audiences with some of the greatest music of all time.”
“We will spend the 2016.17 season celebrating the artistry of Edo de Wart and the contributions he has made to the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra,” said President & Executive Director Mark Niehaus. 'Over the last eight years, it has been an honor to work with Maestro de Waart as both a musician and executive director. I couldn't have asked for a better partner and continue to marvel at the impact he has had on our great orchestra. We will continue to enjoy the fruits of his labors for years to come as he has hired more than a third of our musicians on stage today. Under his direction, the MSO attracted top soloists and guest conductors, explored new compositions and performed classical music's greatest repertoire – complete cycles of Brahms, Beethoven, and Rachmaninoff and semi-staged performances of the three Mozart/DePonte operas, and he took the MSO on its 13th trip to Carnegie Hall to perform for the Spring for Music Festival in 2012.We look forward to his final year of inspiring, not-to-be-missed performances as our music director and are pleased we will continue to see him regularly as our conductor laureate.”
“It is incredibly fortunate that the MSO has had the opportunity to work with a music director of Edo's caliber,” said Board Chairman Andy Nunnemaker. “Edo is known as an 'orchestra builder' in the classical music industry and it's clear after seven seasons with him why that is the case. He is dedicated to excellence and artistry and he inspires the same dedication in those around him. This season, it is with great pride that we celebrate eight years of musical excellence with Edo at the helm of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra.”
2016.17 SEASON HIGHLIGHTS
The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra will spend the 2016.17 season celebrating the tenure of Music Director Edo de Waart, presenting inspiring performances, and engaging with the community.
The MSO and Edo de Waart will open the season with the third in the series of semi-staged Mozart operas, The Marriage of Figaro. Robin Guarino will direct.
De Waart and the MSO continue the exploration of the works of Strauss with Till Eulenspiegel's Merry Pranks and Four Last Songs.
Itzhak Perlman will join Edo de Waart and the MSO in September to perform Bruch's Violin Concerto No. 1.
Frank Almond will perform Mozart's Violin Concerto No. 1; Todd Levy will perform Finzi's Concerto for Clarinet; Susan Babini will perform Bloch's Schelomo; Ilana Setapen will perform Barber's Violin Concerto.
Madison natives Christina and Michelle Naughton return to the MSO to perform Poulenc's Concerto for Two Pianos and Orchestra, with Edo de Waart conducting.
Former MSO associate conductor (1985-1988) and current music director of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra JoAnn Falletta returns to the MSO to conduct Rimsky-Korsakov's Scheherazade.
Edo de Waart is joined by the MSO Women's Chorus in Holst's The Planets and Mahler's Symphony No. 3.
Joseph Kalichstein (piano), Jaime Laredo (violin), and Sharon Robinson (cello) join Edo de Waart and the MSO to perform Beethoven's Triple Concerto in March.
Premiers: The season will include seven MSO premiers of works by Tausky, Corigliano, Schoenberg, Escher, Messiaen, Ran, and Jabert.
List of Repertoire
Sept. 17, 18 + 20, 2016
The Marriage of Figaro
Edo de Waart conductor
Robin Guarino director
Mozart The Marriage of Figaro
Sept. 23 + 24, 2016
Emanuel Ax plays Brahms
Edo de Waart conductor
Emanuel Ax piano
Rachel Willis-Sørenson soprano
Strauss Till Eulenspiegel's Merry Pranks
Strauss Four Last Songs
Brahms Piano Concerto No. 2
Nov. 4 + 5, 2016
Elgar's Enigma
David Danzmayr conductor
Todd Levy clarinet
Tausky Coventry
Finzi Concerto for Clarinet
Elgar Enigma Variations
Nov. 11 + 12, 2016
Romeo & Juliet
Cristian Macelaru conductor
Frank Almond violin
Haydn Symphony No. 96
Mozart Violin Concerto No. 1
Prokofiev Selections from Romeo & Juliet
Nov. 19 + 20, 2016
De Waart conducts Beethoven
Edo de Waart conductor
Christina Naughton piano
Michelle Naughton piano
Britten Simple Symphony
Poulenc Concerto for Two Pianos and Orchestra
Stravinsky Symphonies of Wind Instruments
Beethoven Symphony No. 4
Jan. 13 + 14, 2017
Scheherazade
JoAnn Falletta conductor
Zuill Bailey cello
Corigliano Phantasmagoria on The Ghosts of Versailles
Saint-Saens Cello Concerto No. 1
Rimsky-Korsakov Scheherazade
Jan. 21 + 22, 2017
Shostakovich Triumphant
Carlos Kalmar conductor
Elina Vähälä violin
Britten Violin Concerto
Shostakovich Symphony No. 10
Jan. 27 + 28, 2017
Tchaikovsky's Fourth
Asher Fisch conductor
Amanda Majeski soprano
Schoenberg Chamber Symphony No. 1
Wagner Wesendonck Lieder
Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 4
Feb. 11 + 12, 2017
Poulenc's Gloria
Christoph König conductor
MSO Chorus
Respighi Belfagor Overture
Poulenc Gloria
Schumann Symphony No. 4
Feb. 24-26, 2017
The Planets
Edo de Waart conductor
MSO Women's Chorus
Debussy Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun
Escher Musique pour l'esprit en deuil
Holst The Planets
Mar. 3 + 4, 2017
Beethoven Triple Concerto
Edo de Waart conductor
Joseph Kalichstein piano
Jaime Laredo violin
Sharon Robinson cello
Bach-Schoenberg Chorales
Beethoven Triple Concerto
Mendelssohn Symphony No. 3, “Scottish”
Mar. 10 + 11, 2017
Jeremy Denk plays Mozart
Karina Canellakis conductor
Jeremy Denk piano
Messiaen Hymn du Saint Sacrament
Mozart Piano Concerto No. 19
Franck Le chasseur maudit
Beethoven Symphony No. 8
Apr. 7-9, 2017
Rachmaninoff + Beethoven
Anu Tali conductor
Behzod Abduraimov piano
Rachmaninoff Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini
Beethoven Symphony No. 5
May 12 + 13, 2017
Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 4
Edo de Waart conductor
Ronald Brautigam piano
Mozart Overture to Don Giovanni
Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 4
Elgar Symphony No. 1
May 19 + 20, 2017
Majestic Bruckner
Edo de Waart conductor
Susan Babini cello
Bloch Schelomo
Bruckner Symphony No. 7
May 26-28, 2017
Mahler Symphony No. 3: Edo de Waart's Finale
Edo de Waart conductor
MSO Women's Chorus
Mahler Symphony No. 3
June 16 + 17, 2017
Barber's Violin Concerto
Larry Rachleff conductor
Ilana Setapen violin
Dvorak Carnival Overture
Barber Violin Concerto
Pierre Jalbert New Work
Lutoslawski Concerto for Orchestra
Classical Special
Sep. 27, 2016
Itzhak Perlman
Edo de Waart conductor
Itzhak Perlman violin
Strauss Till Eulenspiegel's Merry Pranks
Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1
Brahms Symphony No. 3
Basilica Series
Oct. 22 + 23, 2016
The Glory of the Basilica
Yaniv Dinur conductor
MSO Chorus
Bång Hav
Wagner Prelude to Act 1 of Parsifal
Braun Chapter 3from Song of Songs
Brahms Nänie
John Luther Adams Become Ocean
Mar. 31 – April 2, 2017
Mozart's Requiem
Matthew Halls conductor
MSO Chorus
Mozart Requiem
Biographies
Edo de Waart
The 2016.17 season will be Edo de Waart's eighth as the sixth music director of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. The 2016.17 season marks Maestro de Waart's valedictory season as music director; at the end of the season he will become music director laureate for seasons to follow. He is also chief conductor of the Royal Flemish Philharmonic and conductor laureate of the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra.
Guest conducting highlights include performances with the San Francisco Symphony, NHK Symphony,
Royal Stockholm Philharmonic, Washington's National Symphony, Minnesota Orchestra, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Sydney Symphony, and Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. As an opera conductor, Mr. de Waart has conducted at Nikikai Opera, Geneva Opera, Opera de Bastille, Santa Fe Opera, and The Metropolitan Opera. Semi-staged and concert opera performances include Der Rosenkavalier (The Metropolitan Opera), Bluebeard's Castle (Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra), and The Rake's Progress (Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra). Each season, he conducts an opera with the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic as part of the Concertgebouw's Zaterdag Matinee series.
Edo de Waart's extensive catalogue encompasses releases for Philips, Virgin, EMI, Telarc, and RCA. With the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra, he has recorded all the orchestral works of Rachmaninoff, the overtures of Wagner for Octavia/Exton and, most recently, a Wagner series for Challenge Classics.
Born in Holland, he studied oboe, piano, and conducting at the Music Lyceum in Amsterdam and upon graduating took up the position of associate principal oboe of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. Two years later, at the age of 23, he won the Dimitri Mitropoulos Conducting Competition in New York which resulted in his appointment as assistant conductor to Leonard Bernstein at the New York Philharmonic. On his return to Holland, he was appointed assistant conductor to Bernard Haitink at the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. In 1967, the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra appointed him guest conductor and, six years later, chief conductor and artistic director. Since then, Edo de Waart has also been music director of the San Francisco Symphony and Minnesota Orchestra, chief conductor and artistic director of the Sydney Symphony, and chief conductor of De Nederlandse Opera. In December 2004, he was made a Knight in the Order of the Dutch Lion, and in 2005, he was appointed an Honorary Officer in the General Division of the Order of Australia.
YANIV DINUR
Born in Jerusalem in 1981, Yaniv Dinur has performed with orchestras in Israel, Europe, the United States, Canada, and Mexico. He is a winner of numerous conducting awards, among them the 2nd Prize at the 2009 Mata International Conducting Competition in Mexico, and the Yuri Ahronovitch 1st Prize in the 2005 Aviv Conducting Competitions in Israel. He was chosen by the League of American Orchestras to be a featured conductor in the 2011 Bruno Walter Conducting Preview, and he is a recipient of the America-Israel Cultural Foundation and the Zubin Mehta Scholarship Endowment. In September of 2015 Dinur was names assistant conductor of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra.
Dinur started his conducting career at the age of 19, performing with the Israel Camerata, making him the youngest conductor ever to conduct an orchestra in Israel. Since then, he also conducted the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, Jerusalem Symphony, Louisiana Philharmonic, New World Symphony, San Antonio Symphony, Tallahassee Symphony, Orchestra Giovanile Italiana, Orchestra di Padova e del Veneto, Orchestra Sinfonica Abruzzese, Pomeriggi Musicali in Milan, Solisti di Perugia, Torino Philharmonic, Portugal Symphony Orchestra, Sofia Festival Orchestra, State Orchestra of St. Petersburg, Orquesta Filarmónica de la UNAM in Mexico, and the National Arts Centre Orchestra in Ottawa.
GUEST CONDUCTORS
David Danzmayr (Nov. 4 + 5) has been described by ´The Herald´ as “extremely good, concise, clear, incisive and expressive” and is regarded as one of the most exciting and talented European conductors of the younger generation. Having served for three years as assistant conductor of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Danzmayr has conducted this ensemble in more than 70 concerts, performing in all the major Scottish concert halls and in the prestigious, Orkney based, St Magnus Festival. Danzmayr makes regular appearances as a guest conductor for other internationally renowned orchestras. Danzmayr is a prize-winner of the prestigious International Malko Conducting Competition and was the only European conductor to reach the final of the prestigious Chicago Symphony Orchestra Sir Georg Solti competition.
Cristian Macelaru (Nov. 11 + 12) has established an exciting and highly regarded presence through his thoughtful interpretations, poise and energetic conviction on the podium. Associate conductor of the Philadelphia Orchestra, Macelaru began his tenure at the Philadelphia Orchestra as assistant conductor in September 2011; in recognition of his artistic contributions to the orchestra, his title was elevated to associate conductor in November 2012. In addition to continuing to assist Yannick Nézet-Séguin and leading several non-subscription performances, Macelaru conducted his own subscription week in the 2013.14 season, after having stepped in on an unexpected subscription debut in April 2013 in place of Jaap van Zweden. Macelaru recently made two overwhelmingly successful appearances with the Chicago Symphony on subscription programs two seasons in a row as a replacement for Pierre Boulez.
JoAnn Falletta (Jan. 13 + 14) is internationally celebrated as a vibrant ambassador for music, an inspiring artistic leader, and a champion of American symphonic music. She serves as the music director of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and the Virginia Symphony Orchestra and principal guest conductor of the Brevard Music Center. Recent appearances include return engagements with the Warsaw, Detroit, Phoenix, Krakow, Puerto Rico, and Hawaii Symphony Orchestras and debuts with the Gothenburg Symphony, Stuttgart Philharmonic, Belgrade Philharmonic, the Orchestra of St. Luke's at Carnegie Hall, and a 13-city US tour with the Irish Chamber Orchestra and soloist James Galway. Falletta has held the positions of artistic advisor to the Honolulu Symphony, music director of the Long Beach Symphony Orchestra, associate conductor of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, principal guest conductor of the Phoenix Symphony, and music director of the Denver Chamber Orchestra, the Queens Philharmonic and the Women's Philharmonic.
Carlos Kalmar (Jan. 21 + 22) is in his thirteenth season as music director of the Oregon Symphony. He is also chief conductor and artistic director of the Spanish Radio/Television Orchestra and Choir in Madrid, and artistic director and principal conductor of the Grant Park Music Festival in Chicago. A regular guest conductor with major orchestras in America, Europe and Asia, Kalmar recently made his subscription series debuts with three of America's most prestigious orchestras: those of Boston, Chicago and San Francisco. Past engagements have seen him on the podium with the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Minnesota Orchestra and the New World Symphony, as well as the orchestras of Baltimore, Cincinnati, Dallas, Houston, Milwaukee, Nashville, Seattle and St. Louis.
Asher Fisch (Jan. 27 + 28) A seasoned conductor in both the operatic and symphonic worlds, Asher Fisch is especially celebrated for his interpretative command of core German and Italian repertoire of the Romantic and post-Romantic era, in particular Wagner, Brahms, Strauss, and Verdi. Fisch also conducts a wide variety of other repertoire from Gluck to contemporary works, and serves as an advocate of living composers such as Avner Dorman and others. In 2014, Fisch became the principal conductor and artistic advisor of the West Australian Symphony Orchestra (WASO). His former posts include principal guest conductor of the Seattle Opera (2007-2013), where he concluded his tenure conducting the opera's quadrennial Wagner Ring Cycle in summer 2013, music director of the New Israeli Opera (1998-2008), and the Wiener Volksoper (1995-2000).
Christoph König (Feb. 11 + 12) is a conductor of deep intelligence and musicality. His conducting is marked by an energetic and serious approach to musical collaboration and a commitment to thoughtful and stimulating programming. He currently holds the position of principal conductor and music director of the Solistes Européens Luxembourg. Since his debut in the US in 2010 he has conducted the Pittsburgh Symphony, Toronto Symphony, New Jersey Symphony, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Houston Symphony, Cincinnati Symphony, Calgary Philharmonic, Indianapolis Symphony, Baltimore Symphony, Vancouver Symphony, Oregon Symphony, Milwaukee Symphony, and Colorado Symphony Orchestras.
Karina Canellakis (Mar. 10 + 11) is currently entering her second season as Assistant Conductor of the Dallas Symphony. Canellakis has rapidly gained international recognition as one of the most dynamic and exciting young American conductors. She recently made her European conducting debut with the Chamber Orchestra of Europe at the Styriarte Festival in Graz, Austria, filling in for Nikolaus Harnoncourt. Earlier in the season, she also made headlines filling in last minute for Jaap Van Zweden in two subscription concerts with the Dallas Symphony, conducting Shostakovich's 8th Symphony and Mozart K449 with soloist Emanuel Ax, earning rave reviews. In the 2015.16 season, Ms. Canellakis makes her debuts with the Hong Kong Philharmonic, San Diego Symphony, Detroit Symphony, Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra and at the renowned Grand Tetons Music Festival in summer 2016.
Matthew Halls (Mar. 31 – Apr. 2) is in his second season as artistic director of the Oregon Bach Festival, having succeeded founding director Helmuth Rilling the previous year. Summer 2015 saw the Oregon Bach Festival launch the Berwick Academy for Historically Informed Performance under his leadership, a new national training program for advanced students. Increasingly in demand by North American symphony orchestras, Halls has performed with the Calgary Philharmonic, Cleveland Orchestra, Houston Symphony, Indianapolis Symphony, Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, National Arts Centre Orchestra, Philadelphia Orchestra, Seattle Symphony, and the Utah Symphony in repertoire from Bach and Handel to Beethoven, Kernis, Mendelssohn, Messiaen, Mozart, Rachmaninov, Tchaikovsky, and Tippett.
Anu Tali (Apr. 7 – 9) assumed the position of music director of the Sarasota Orchestra in Florida in August 2013. Additionally, she continues in her role of the chief conductor at the Nordic Symphony Orchestra, which Anu and sister Kadri Tali founded in 1997. Highlights of the 2014.15 season included her debut with the Finnish National Opera and re-engagements with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and the Bochumer and Duisburger Symphonikern. Last season featured invitations to the Ruhrtriennale and Ensemble Modern.
Larry Rachleff (Jun. 16 + 17) serves as music director of the Rhode Island Philharmonic and has also been music director of the San Antonio Symphony. “A take-charge maestro who invests everything he conducts with deep musical understanding” (Chicago Tribune), Mr. Rachleff is in constant demand as a guest conductor. Recent and upcoming engagements include the Utah Symphony, Houston Symphony, Seattle Symphony, Indianapolis Symphony, Kansas City Symphony, Phoenix Symphony, Dayton Philharmonic, and Toledo Symphony among many others. Summer festival engagements include Tanglewood, Aspen, Interlochen, Chautauqua, Brevard Music Festival, Music Academy of the West, Opera Theatre of Lucca, Italy, and the Grand Teton Music Festival. In 1993, he was selected as one of four American conductors to lead the Cleveland Orchestra at Carnegie Hall under the mentorship of Pierre Boulez.
GUEST ARTISTS (PIANO)
Emanuel Ax (Sept. 23 + 24) was born in Lvov, Poland and moved to Winnipeg, Canada, with his family when he was a young boy. His studies at the Juilliard School were supported by the sponsorship of the Epstein Scholarship Program of the Boys Clubs of America, and he subsequently won the Young Concert Artists Award. Additionally, he attended Columbia University where he majored in French. Ax captured public attention in 1974 when he won the first Arthur Rubinstein International Piano Competition in Tel Aviv. In 1975 he won the Michaels Award of Young Concert Artists followed four years later by the coveted Avery Fisher Prize.
Christina and Michelle Naughton (Nov. 19 + 20) have been hailed by the San Francisco Examiner for their “stellar musicianship, technical mastery, and awe-inspiring artistry”. The Naughtons made their European debut at Herkulesaal in Munich, and their Asian debut with the Hong Kong Philharmonic. An appearance with the Philadelphia Orchestra led the Philadelphia Inquirer to characterize their playing as “paired to perfection,” while the Saarbrücker Zeitung exclaimed “this double star could soon prove to be a supernova.” They have captivated audiences throughout the globe with the unity created by their mystical musical communication, as featured by the Wall Street Journal in their own words “There are times I forget we are two people playing together”. The sisters recently signed an exclusive recording contract with Warner Classics which will release their second album, Visions, in March 2016.
Jeremy Denk (Mar. 10 + 11) is one of America's foremost pianists—an artist The New York Times hails as someone “you want to hear no matter what her performs”. Winner of a 2013 MacArthur “Genius” Fellowship, the 2014 Avery Fisher Prize, and Musical America's 2014 Instrumentalist of the Year award, he recently appeared as soloist with the Cleveland Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra, and the symphony orchestras of Boston, Chicago, San Fransisco, and London.
Behzod Abduraimov (Apr. 7 – 9) captivating performances are rapidly establishing him as one of the forerunners of his generation. In recent seasons Behzod has worked with leading orchestras including Los Angeles Philharmonic with conductor James Gaffigan, Boston Symphony Orchestra with conductor Charles Dutoit, London Philharmonic Orchestra with conductor David Zinman, NHK Symphony Orchestra with conductor Vladimir Ashkenazy, and the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra with conductor Jirí Belohlávek.
Ronald Brautigam (May 12 + 13), a student of the legendary Rudolf Serkin, performs regularly with leading orchestras including the Royal Concertgebouw, London Philharmonic, BBC Philharmonic, City of Birmingham Symphony, Hong Kong Philharmonic, and Sydney Symphony. He has perfomed alongside a number of distinguished conductors including Riccardo Chailly, Charles Dutoit, Bernard Haitink, Frans Brüggen, Christpher Hogwood, Marek Janowski, Sir Roger Norrington, Marin Alsop, Ivor Bolton, Sir Simon Rattle and Ivan Fisher.
GUEST ARTIST (VIOLIN, CELLO, TRIO)
Elina Vähälä (Jan. 21 + 22) was born in the US and raised in Finland. She made her orchestra debut with Sinfonia Lahti at the age of 12 and was later chosen by Osmo Vänskä as the orchestra's “young master soloist”. Since then, her career continues to expand the international stage, winning praise from audiences and musicians alike as “a fluent, stylish, and gifted musicians whose brilliant technique is matched by an abundant spirit, sensitivity, and imagination” (Chicago Tribune).
Zuill Bailey (Jan. 13 + 14) is a distinguished soloist, recitalist, artistic director, and teacher. His rare combination of celebrated artistry, technical wizardry and engaging personality has secured his place as one of the most sought after and active cellists today. A consummate concerto soloist, Bailey has been featured with symphony orchestras worldwide, including Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Detroit, Indianapolis, Dallas, Louisville, Honolulu, Milwaukee, Nashville, Toronto, Colorado, Minnesota, Utah, Israel, Cape Town, and the Bruchner Orchestra in Linz, Austria. He has collaborated with such conductors as Itzhak Perlman, Alan Gilbert, Andrew Litton, James DePriest, Jun Markl, Carlos Kalmar, Andrey Boreyko, Krzysztof Urbanski, Jacques Lacombe, Grant Llewellyn, and Stanislav Skrowaczewski. He also has been featured with musical luminaries Leon Fleisher, Jaime Laredo, the Juilliard String Quartet, Lynn Harrell, and Janos Starker.
Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson Trio (Mar. 3 + 4) After 38 years of success the world over, including many award-winning recordings and newly commissioned works, the Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson Trio continues to dazzle audiences and critics alike with its performances. Since making their debut at the White House for President Carter's Inauguration in January 1977, pianist Joseph Kalichstein, violinist Jaime Laredo and cellist Sharon Robinson have set the standard for performances of the piano trio literature. As one of the only long-lived ensembles with all of its original members, the Kalichstein-Laredo-Robsinson Trio balances the careers of three internationally-acclaimed soloists while making annual appearances at many of the world's major concert halls, commissioning spectacular new works, and maintaining an active recording agenda.
TICKETS & PRICING
Ticket prices for the 2016.17 season remain unchanged. For information about subscriptions, please call 414.291.7605 or visit mso.org.
Single tickets will go on sale in July 2016. All programs, artists, and venues subject to change.
ABOUT THE MSO
The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, under the dynamic leadership of Music Director Edo de Waart, is among the finest orchestras in the nation and the largest cultural institution in Wisconsin. Now in his sixth season with the MSO, Maestro de Waart has led sold-out concerts, elicited critical acclaim, and conducted a celebrated performance at Carnegie Hall on May 11, 2012. The MSO's full-time professional musicians perform over 135 classics, pops, family, education, and community concerts each season in venues throughout the state. Since its inception in 1959, the MSO has found innovative ways to give music a home in the region, develop music appreciation and talent among area youth, and raise the national reputation of Milwaukee.
LA Chamber Orchestra to Explore 'Music and the Mind' Next Month by BWW News Desk
- March 16, 2016 Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra (LACO) explores innate vs. learned creativity tied to masterworks by Mozart and Mendelssohn, whose extraordinary talent was evident in their earliest compositions, during the second program of Westside Connections, a chamber music series with a twist, on Thursday, April 7, 2016, 7:30 pm, at the Moss Theater in Santa Monica.
Midori Joins Pacific Symphony for Erich Korngold's Violin Concerto, 4/28 by BWW News Desk
- March 16, 2016 Mesmerizing virtuoso, former child prodigy and so famous she goes by one name—Midori—joins Pacific Symphony to perform Erich Korngold's achingly beautiful Violin Concerto, which the composer reimagined from four of his acclaimed film scores. The exquisite program is led by Grammy and Juno award-winning music director of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Bramwell Tovey, of whom Musical America has called: “One of the most versatile and charismatic musicians in the world.” Tovey also leads the orchestra in grand and thrilling music inspired by the galaxy—Gustav Holst's dramatic interpretation of the cosmos, “The Planets,” enhanced by the voices of the women of Pacific Chorale (John Alexander, artistic director); plus, Debussy's luminous piano piece, “Clair de Lune,” orchestrated by the legendary Leopold Stokowski.
Philadelphia Classical Guitar Festival Features Antigoni Goni, Matthew Palmer and More by BWW News Desk
- March 16, 2016 Announcing the 2016 Philadelphia Classical Guitar Festival presented by the Philadelphia Classical Guitar Society featuring Greek guitar virtuoso Antigoni Goni, multiple competition winning guitarist Matthew Palmer, and 2015 Philadephia Classical Guitar Competition winner Alec Holcomb.
Brooklyn Art Song Society to Feature Scott Wheeler in IN CONTEXT Series, 4/2 by BWW News Desk
- March 16, 2016 BASS continues its innovative new music series In Context at the Tenri Cultural Center on SaturdayApril 2nd, 2016. This year's featured composer is Scott Wheeler, hailed by Fanfare as “one of the freshest American voices.” The program features Mr. Wheeler's work alongside those by colleagues and mentors (Virgil Thomson and Judith Weir) and favorite classics (Johannes Brahms and Robert Schumann). The program will include the world premiere of Ben Gunn. Soprano Elisabeth Marhsall, mezzo soprano Kate Maroney, tenor Brandon Snook, and baritone Steven Eddy join pianists Michael Brofman, Jocelyn Dueck, and Miori Sugiyama.
Pianist Michael Roll to Perform with Annapolis Symphony Orchestra, 4/1 by BWW News Desk
- March 16, 2016 ANNAPOLIS, MD – British pianist Michael Roll returns to the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra after his 2012 debut, in the next set of Lexus Classic Series concerts at Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts on Friday, April 1 and Saturday, April 2, 2016 at 8pm. Music Director José-Luis Novo will conduct the orchestra and Mr. Roll in Robert Schumann's Piano Concerto in A Minor. The concert will also feature Ludwig van Beethoven's Coriolan Overture, Charles Ives' The Unanswered Question and Franz Schubert's Symphony No. 5 in B-flat Major.
Nancy Pelosi to Join San Francisco Girs Chorus for Fundraising Gala, 3/18 by BWW News Desk
- March 16, 2016 San Francisco, March 15, 2016 – Nancy Pelosi, the Democratic Leader of the U.S. House of Representatives for the 114th Congress , and mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade will join the Grammy Award-winning San Francisco Girls Chorus for its annual fundraising gala to support its acclaimed education and training programs for girls and young women Friday, March 18, 6:30-10 pm at the City Club of San Francisco, 155 Sansome Street. The event's theme is “Honoring Strong Women's Voices”, and proceeds will support the education and scholarship programs of the five-time Grammy Award-winning San Francisco Girls Chorus, which has provided top-level musical training for girls and young women for 37 years.
Chattanooga Symphony & Opera Names Samantha Teter New Executive Director by BWW News Desk
- March 16, 2016 Chattanooga, TN –The Chattanooga Symphony & Opera today appointed Samantha Teter as Executive Director effective immediately. Teter has been serving as Interim Executive Director since former Executive Director Molly Sasse French went on medical leave in November and ultimately announced her resignation effective January 31, 2016. Sasse French had served as Executive Director since 2007.