Music Director Carl St. Clair Leads Pacific Symphony And One Of Russia's Greatest Pianists

One of Russia's most formidable pianists, Alexander Romanovsky, makes his Pacific Symphony debut in a thrilling performance of Prokofiev's Second Piano Concerto, one of the most technically demanding piano concertos in the repertoire. Declared the latest pianist to be hailed as the true heir to the great Russian tradition by The Guardian, Romanovsky, according to Gramophone, can "produce the thunderous sound and sharp-edged, ringing bass that sends a tingle down the spine." Rounding out the program is Brahms' Third Symphony, its tranquil beauty contrasting with Prokofiev's tour de force, plus, a newer, uplifting work makes its West Coast premiere-"Wild Wood," by living composer Paul Chihara.

"In the last 30 years, Pacific Symphony has never performed Prokofiev's Second Piano Concerto," states Maestro St.Clair. "This is a great concerto, just not often performed. Why? Because it is very, very difficult and not all pianists perform this demanding work. Alexander Romanovsky does, and what a commanding performance of this work he plays! We have recently performed this piece together and it is just astonishing how passionate he is about this work. He has recorded this concerto to great acclaim."

Image magnification will be provided on the big screens during the concert to enhance the experience and provide a closer look at Romanovsky and the orchestra at work.

The concert takes place Thursday through Saturday, Feb. 1-3, at 8 p.m. in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. Tickets are $25-$126. A preview talk with Alan Chapman begins at 7 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (714) 755-5799 or visit PacificSymphony.org.

For those who prefer a Sunday matinee, Romanovsky returns with his stunning rendition of Prokofiev's Second Piano Concerto during Sunday Casual Connections, on Feb. 4, at 3 p.m., in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. After Prokofiev performed this concerto, the score disappeared. During the concert, Maestro St.Clair reveals the mystery behind the long-lost concerto, performed by one of today's top Russian virtuosos. The program also includes selections from Brahms' Third Symphony and Chihara's "Wildwood." Tickets are $25-$99. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (714) 755-5799 or visit PacificSymphony.org.

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