Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra
Lahav Shani, chief conductor
Daniil Trifonov, piano
Program:
ARVO PӒRT Swansong
MOZART Piano Concerto No. 9 “Jeunehomme”
PROKOFIEV Excerpts from Romeo & Juliet
The Grammy-winning Daniil Trifonov is one of the most exciting and revelatory pianists of our time. “Daniil has everything and more … tenderness and also the demonic element. I never heard anything like that,” legendary pianist Martha Argerich marveled. Trifonov makes his Knight Masterworks Classical Music series debut playing Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 9, “Jeunehomme.” Written when the composer was 21 years old, the work is arguably the first masterpiece of the classical era, hailed by lauded Mozart pianist Alfred Brendel as “one of the greatest wonders of the world.”
Known for its intensely energetic performances, The Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra has claimed its position among Europe’s most exciting orchestras under the leadership of young and dynamic, Israeli-born chief conductor Lahav Shani. The orchestra’s Arsht Center debut concert begins with the mysterious, luminous soundscapes of Arvo Pärt’s Swansong, whose harmonies suggest its origins as a piece of choral and organ music. Inspired by a line from a Christian funeral prayer, “safe lodging, holy rest and peace at the last." That devotion has found a hymnlike expression in Pärt's music.
The program concludes with selections from Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet, whose sweeping music depicting Shakespeare’s famous love scenes, street fights, dances and deaths is rapturous, energetic, tragic and grand.
PRESHOW CLASSICAL CONVERSATIONS
One hour prior to this performance, join us in the Peacock Education Center for Classical Conversations, an exciting, behind-the scenes look at this performance. Scott Flavin, violinist and professor of violin at the Frost School of Music will provide insight into the musicians, composers and history that will be heard in the concert.
