Russia’s Oldest Symphony Brings Spring Program to the Van Wezel

The St. Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra will present Rimsky-Korsakov's, RussIan Easter Overture, Op. 36, Dmitry Shostakovich's, Concerto for Cello No. 1, Op. 107 and Johannes Brahms', Symphony No. 4 in E minor, Op.98. at the Van Wezel on Friday, April 8 at 8 p.m.

The St. Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra was founded in 1882 as part of the Court Musical Choir, but by the early 20th century had begun performing for the general public. Over the years, the St. Petersburg Philharmonic has grown into one of the best orchestras in the world, becoming the model of performance for Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich as well as recognized for premiering works of contemporary Russian composers. Last season they gave the world premiere of a new symphony by Segerstam as well as the Russian premiere of Grechaninov's Fifth Symphony. Highlights of the 2010/2011 season include the Russian premiere of Nono's "Il canto sospeso", which uses prisoners of fascism letters as the libretto, Schubert's Seventh Symphony, and Korgold's "The Snowman" ballet music and Violin Concerto.

The Van Wezel performance will be conducted by Nikolai Alexeev and feature cellist Alisa Weilerstein. Nikolai Alexeev is known for his presentation of Viennese classics as well as Tchaikovsky, Mahler and Shostakovich. With Nikolai Alexeev, the Philharmonic Orchestra has performed all Brahms' symphonies, all Rachmaninov's piano concertos, a number of works by Prokofiev and "Gurre-Lieder" by Schoenberg. Working with St. Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra, Alexeev finds that his innate conductor's interest is in the concert performances of operas and ballets. They include, above all, compositions of Stravinsky, which constitute one of the main repertoire directions of Alexeev, who also regularly gives premieres of works by modern composers. He conducted the first performance of the Thirteenth Symphony by Slonimsky, First and Fifth Dante-Symphonies by Tischenko, and many more. Of featured cellist Alisa Weilerstein the Los Angles Times says, "As an American, young and a woman, she might have been expected to have had three strikes against her facing this team of heavyweights in heavyweight music that they own...But in the intense Weilerstein, The Players met their match. She tore into the concerto with a ferocity that all but left the orchestra stunned... She projected a rich lyrical tone when she wanted to or when Shostakovich wanted her to, and she played as if lost in reverie. But she was most in her element when on the percussive attack."

Ticket prices range from $30 to $80. For more information and to buy tickets, contact the Van Wezel Box office at (941) 953-3368 or log onto www.vanwezel.org. Sponsored by: Classical WSMR 89.1

Date of Show: Friday, April 8, 2011- 8 p.m.
Ticket Prices: $30-$80