Madison Symphony Orchestra
Overture Center-Overture Hall 201 State St., Madison, Wisconsin 53703
press release: World-renowned pianist Garrick Ohlsson returns to the Overture Hall stage with the Madison Symphony Orchestra (MSO) April 1, 2, 3 in an exciting program featuring dramatic music by Brahms and Strauss. The concert will also feature a first-ever performance by the MSO of a symphony by Pulitzer Prize winning composer Steven Stucky.
Garrick Ohlsson will perform one of the best-loved pieces in the Romantic piano concerto repertoire, Johannes Brahms’ powerful Piano Concerto No. 1. Ohlsson impressed Madison audiences in 2008 and 2012 with Rachmaninoff and Tchaikovsky concertos. Steven Stucky’s intricate and intriguing Symphony No. 1 kicks off the concert program, followed by Richard Strauss’ tone poem Don Juan, a work recounting the life and death of the eponymous fictional character through brazenly virtuosic flair matched by tender romantic melodies.
The concerts are Fri., Apr. 1, at 7:30 p.m.; Sat., Apr. 2, at 8 p.m.; and Sun., Apr. 3, at 2:30 p.m. in Overture Hall, 201 State Street.
Garrick Ohlsson has been a commanding presence in the piano world since winning the Chopin International Piano Competition in 1970. A proponent of chamber music, Mr. Ohlsson has collaborated with the Cleveland, Emerson, Takács and Tokyo string quartets. Known for his masterly interpretations of Chopin, Mr. Ohlsson has over 80 concertos in his repertoire, including several commissioned for him.
Steven Stucky composed his Symphony No. 1 as part of a joint commission with the Los Angeles and New York Philharmonics, and it premiered in 2012. Described by the composer as “a single expanse of music that travels through a series of emotional landscapes”, this concise work consists of four movements played without a break. Mr. Stucky just passed away Feb. 14, 2016.
Richard Strauss’ tone poem Don Juan opens in breathtaking fashion with a flurry of strings and brass, as the hero leaps to the stage. Technically challenging and theatrical, the work vividly recounts Don Juan’s exploits, as well as his downfall.
Brahms’ first major orchestral work, Piano Concerto No. 1, casts the piano and orchestra as equal partners working together to develop musical ideas. Written in D minor, this piece captures the composer’s grief over his friend Robert Schumann’s breakdown and eventual death in a mental asylum.
One hour before each performance, Susan Cook, UW-Madison School of Music Director & Professor of Musicology, will lead a 30-minute Prelude Discussion in Overture Hall to enhance concertgoers’ understanding and listening experience. More background on the music can also be found in the Program Notes at: http://www.madisonsymphony.org/ohlsson
Single Tickets are $16 to $85 each, available via www.madisonsymphony.org/ohlsson , the Overture Center Box Office at 201 State Street or by calling the Box Office at (608) 258-4141.
Groups of 15 or more can save 25% by calling the MSO office at (608) 257-3734. For more information visit, www.madisonsymphony.org/groups
Student rush tickets can be purchased in person on the day of the concert at the Overture Box Office at 201 State Street. Students must show a valid student ID and can receive up to two $12 or $15 tickets. More information is at: www.madisonsymphony.org/studentrush. Students can receive 20% savings on seats in select areas of the hall on advance ticket purchases. Seniors age 62 and up receive 20% savings on advance and day-of-concert ticket purchases in select areas of the hall. Discounted seats are subject to availability, and discounts may not be combined.