Evanston Symphony Orchestra

The First Piano Concerto of Johannes Brahms is among his most important works and among the most difficult concertos ever composed. Its monumental nature is a direct descendent of another D Minor masterpiece, Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. Thomas Pandolfi makes his ESO debut in its demanding solo role. Igor Stravinsky’s Firebird ballet is based on Russian folk legends and gave him his first major acclaim, and it has remained his “biggest hit” ever since its premiere in 1910.

The final 12 symphonies of Franz Joseph Haydn are collectively known as his “London symphonies” and the final one of the 12, to some the greatest of all, is titled the “London” Symphony. William Walton’s Crown Imperial has been wittily referred to as the “Pomp and Circumstance March No. 6” as a worthy successor to Elgar’s five Pomp and Circumstance marches. Britten’s orchestral showpiece can also be titled “Variations and Fugue on a Theme of Henry Purcell,” and will be narrated by Henry Fogel, Dean of the Chicago College of Performing Arts of Roosevelt University.

The title of our second concert summarizes but does not encompass the diversity and richness of the “Spanish” and “Latin” works on this exciting and colorful program, which includes French and Russian versions of Spain, as well as music from Argentina by Ginastera and Piazzolla and a Mexican masterpiece by José Pablo Moncayo. The one work by a Spanish composer is the most popular of all guitar concertos and will be interpreted by the gifted Jason Blair Lewis, and the concert closes with Bernstein’s exciting dance of Puerto Ricans in New York.

Our 72nd season of diverse music from many lands opens with Robert Schumann’s overture for a staged version of Byron’s romantic epic detailing the turbulent life of his anti-hero Manfred, and closes with Beethoven’s masterpiece of rhythm, his Seventh Symphony. Rising star William Hagen makes his ESO debut in a cornerstone of the repertoire, the Violin Concerto by Finland’s most famous composer, Jan Sibelius.

Program

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Make sure your holiday season starts with the best holiday event in Evanston!

Don’t miss enjoying these favorite Yule festivities with your family and friends … and you can take advantage of our special rates for a package of 2 adult tickets and 3 children's tickets.