2020-21 Season Brochure - Philadelphia Orchestra

Thursday 6CWang XiBranford Marsalisand the Sax ConcertoHilary HahnPlays ProkofievThursday, October 29 / 7:30 PMThursday, January 7 / 7:30 PMRafael Payare ConductorXian Zhang ConductorBranford Marsalis SaxophoneMonica Czausz OrganKhatia and WeinbergOurWorld NOWThursday, April 15 / 7:30 PMMirga Gražinytė-Tyla ConductorHilary Hahn ViolinStrauss Don JuanKhatia Buniatishvili PianoXi Ensō (world premiere—PhiladelphiaOrchestra commission)Adams Saxophone ConcertoEötvös When It Hits the Ocean Below (worldTchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1Dvořák Symphony No. 7premiere—Philadelphia Orchestra commission)Weinberg Symphony No. 3Prokofiev Violin Concerto No. 1New Orleans-born Branford Marsalis is aSaint-Saëns Symphony No. 3 (“Organ”)true Renaissance man: a Grammy-winningTchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 haseverything we associate with the composer:saxophonist, band leader, Broadway composer,From its haunting, dreamy opening until theexquisite melodies, sophisticated interplayand orchestra collaborator who has also touredfinal notes float away, Prokofiev’s urgentbetween soloist and orchestra, andwith Sting and the Grateful Dead. He joinsand rapturous First Violin Concerto soars infireworks to spare. The Guardian says soloistthe Orchestra for John Adams’s Saxophonethe captivating hands of Hilary Hahn. XianKhatia Buniatishvili plays “straight from theConcerto, inspired by the works of jazz greatsZhang makes her Philadelphia Orchestraheart.” A second chance to thrill toStan Getz and Charlie Parker.subscription debut with this hallmark programMirga Gražinytė-Tyla’s conducting!of WomenNOW, also leading Melody Eötvös’spowerful new organ work, which will evokethe thunderous force of melting icebergs.When the youngJANE GOODALLwalked into theAfrican jungle to beginher fascinating andlifelong study ofchimpanzees, sheinitiated a new erain how we understandthe NATURALWORLD.When the young Jane Goodall walked into theAfrican jungle to begin her fascinating andlifelong study of chimpanzees, she initiated a newera in how we understand the natural world.Her devotion and keen observations inspiredgenerations to follow her path.How we perceive and relate to our environmentis an underlying theme this season, beginningwith the showing of Jane, the acclaimed NationalGeographic documentary with the Orchestraperforming Philip Glass’s film score. And weextend the exploration of Our World NOWthroughout the season with five PhiladelphiaOrchestra commissions by women composerswriting music inspired by the natural world,showing us how music can change the way wethink about the world around us.HilaryPurringtonRhapsody in Bluewith Chick CoreaThe Rite of SpringPuccini: La bohèmeThursday, March 18 / 7:30 PMThursday, May 13 / 7:30 PMYannick Nézet-Séguin ConductorYannick Nézet-Séguin ConductorThursday, December 10 / 7:30 PMAilyn Pérez Soprano (Mimì)Yannick Nézet-Séguin ConductorChick Corea PianoEllington SolitudeFrank Picaflor (world premiere—PhiladelphiaCharles Castronovo Tenor (Rodolfo)Orchestra commission)Latonia Moore Soprano (Musetta)Stravinsky The Rite of SpringQuinn Kelsey Baritone (Marcello)Andrey Zhilikhovsky Baritone (Schaunard)Gershwin Rhapsody in BlueFolktales of the natural world are reimagined inChristian Van Horn Bass-baritone (Colline)this program. First, The Rite of Spring, Stravinsky’sDonald Maxwell Baritone (Benoit/Alcindoro)Unless you were in New York City in 1924 forvision of pagan rituals, still astounds a centuryPhiladelphia Symphonic Choirthe premiere, you’ve never heard Gershwin’safter its riotous Paris premiere. It’s paired withJoe Miller DirectorRhapsody in Blue like this. Jazz legend Chickthe world premiere of Picaflor by Composer-Corea joins the hottest big band on the planetin-Residence Gabriela Lena Frank. The work,for this classic melting pot of American musicalmeaning “hummingbird,” retells a traditionalstyles. Florence Price was the first African-Peruvian creation myth through the voices ofThe world’s reigning opera conductor leadsAmerican woman to have her work performedPhiladelphians with text from School Districtone of the greatest operas of all time. “Puccini isby a major U.S. orchestra. Yannick leadsof Philadelphia students and visuals from Muralthe epitome of Italian opera, where feelings andthe Philadelphia Orchestra premiere of herArts Philadelphia. Yannick leads the Orchestraemotions are so true, yet also larger than life. WeSymphony No. 1, plus music by the legendaryin this collaborative program highlightingcan all relate to Puccini. I still cry every single timeDuke Ellington. Admit it. You always knewOur World NOW and WomenNOW.I conduct the final act of La bohème,” says Yannick.Price Symphony No. 1RobinHolcombComposer Melody Eötvös evokes the thunderouscracking of melting icebergs with When It Hits theOcean Below. Robin Holcomb’s Paradise is fueledby fire, an experiential response to California’sdeadly wildfires. Wang Xi’s Ensō, named fora sacred Buddhist symbol meaning “circle,”considers the flow and togetherness of natureand people. New England-based composer HilaryPurrington’s work has included music related tothe effects of climate change. While Composerin-Residence Gabriela Lena Frank wonders howit all may have begun in Picaflor, which examineslife creation myths from Latin America throughthe eyes of a hummingbird.MelodyEötvösPuccini La bohèmeWith the Orchestra front and center and a superbYannick was a hepcat at heart.cast, this is Puccini’s beloved tale of Parisianbohemian artists as you’ve never heard it before.102020–21 SeasonGabrielaLena Frank11

IdentityBeethoven:Missa solemnis 2.0Ravel: Daphnisand ChloéSouth Pacific2021Friday, October 9 / 8:00 PMFriday, February 12 / 8:00 PMFriday, April 23 / 8:00 PMYannick Nézet-Séguin ConductorStéphane Denève ConductorAndy Einhorn ConductorJennifer Rowley SopranoGautier Capuçon CelloKaren Cargill Mezzo-sopranoWestminster Symphonic ChoirRodrick Dixon TenorJoe Miller DirectorEric Owens BassRodgers South PacificIn South Pacific, Broadway legends RodgersPhiladelphia Symphonic ChoirPurrington Words for Departureand Hammerstein set out to enlighten asJoe Miller Director(world premiere—Philadelphia Orchestrawell as entertain. Issues of race, nationalism,Refik Anadol Visual Designcommission)imperialism, and identity remain as relevantConnesson Cello Concertotoday, more than 70 years after the work’sBeethoven Missa solemnisRavel Daphnis and Chloé (complete ballet)premiere. Our version of this BroadwayThe new digital world embraces Beethoven’sShimmering and sensual, Daphnis and Chloéplus a stellar Broadway cast pouring its heartold world in these groundbreakingis a masterpiece of French impressionisticinto some of America’s best-loved show tunes.performances of his renowned but rarelysplendor. Stéphane Denève returns to lead theperformed Missa solemnis. In collaborationcomplete version of Ravel’s love story ballet.with Refik Anadol, one of the world’s leadingLush and exotic, and brimming with orchestralvisual artists, the interior of Verizon Hall will becolor, the sweeping music conjures every detailtransformed into a virtual, multi-denominationalof this mythological tale, from glorious sunrisecathedral through the magic of artificialto hedonistic bacchanal.classic reexamines those issues as well Our world has changed in the 71 yearssince the premiere of South Pacific, oneof the greatest American musicals.During that time, questions of race,gender, and American dominance thatare central to the South Pacific storyhave been rethought, reimagined, andreconsidered. This season we inviteyou to a bold retelling of Rodgers andHammerstein’s classic, yet shockinglyrelevant, masterpiece South Pacific.Issues of nationalism, imperialism, andinherited prejudices are at the heart ofthis beloved Broadway musical oftenmore appreciated for its unforgettablemelodies than for its progressivemessage. This production casts a newperspective on the white woman whoworks for the U.S. Army and recognizesher role in systemic racism, a mixed-racecouple that finds each other amidst thebackdrop of a war on anti-Semitism,and the young Polynesian woman atthe heart of this love story.intelligence and data visualization. If onlyBeethoven were here to see this!Brahms’sSymphony No. 1Special Event: ChamberOrchestra of EuropeShostakovich’sSymphony No. 8Friday, November 27 / 8:00 PMFriday, March 12 / 8:00 PMFriday, May 14 / 8:00 PMAlan Gilbert ConductorChamber Orchestra of EuropeYannick Nézet-Séguin ConductorJuliette Kang ViolinYannick Nézet-Séguin ConductorPaolo Bordignon OrganLisa Batiashvili ViolinChin Frontispiece for OrchestraBach Selections from The Art of the Fugue,Bartók Violin Concerto No. 2Brahms Violin Concertofor organ and mixed ensemblesBrahms Symphony No. 1Brahms Symphony No. 3Shostakovich Symphony No. 8Laboring under the towering shadow ofThe renowned Chamber Orchestra of Europe,Hear a masterwork from a titan of RussianBeethoven’s monumental works, Brahms spentcomprised of the greatest virtuosic musiciansmusic. A direct response to the horrors andtwo decades crafting his First Symphony.from throughout Europe, will pay a rare visit toheroism of World War II, Shostakovich’s toweringThe wait was assuredly worth it: The FirstPhiladelphia led by none other than Yannick,Eighth Symphony was initially condemnedexceeds all the weighty expectations thean honorary member of the ensemble. Thein the composer’s Soviet homeland. Today itcomposer struggled with. First Associateelegant playing of Lisa Batiashvili will be frontcan be heard as the musical achievementConcertmaster Juliette Kang takes centerand center in Brahms’s Violin Concerto, andit is, impeccably realized by Yannick andstage for Bartók’s ingenious Secondhis deeply romantic and popular SymphonyYour Philadelphia Orchestra. Plus a specialViolin Concerto, infused with HungarianNo. 3 completes the program.one-night-only presentation of Bach’s latefolk-dance melodies.Please note: The Philadelphia Orchestradoesn’t perform on this concert.Subscribe today before our most popular concerts sell out.masterwork The Art of the Fugue, arranged fororgan and chamber ensembles.13Friday Evening 6OurWorld NOWphilorch.org / 215.893.1955

Friday Matinee 9Aphilorch.org / 215.893.1955Yannick LeadsRavel FavoritesJoyce, Yannick,and MahlerGustavo DudamelDebutsFriday, October 2 / 2:00 PMFriday, November 13 / 2:00 PMFriday, January 15 / 2:00 PMLove and TragedyYannick LeadsTchaikovsky’s “Pathétique”Friday, March 12 / 2:00 PMFriday, May 21 / 2:00 PMNathalie Stutzmann ConductorYannick Nézet-Séguin ConductorYannick Nézet-Séguin ConductorGustavo Dudamel ConductorLisa Batiashvili ViolinJoyce DiDonato Mezzo-sopranoSergio Tiempo PianoRavel Le Tombeau de CouperinMahler Rückert LiederBenzecry (world premiere—PhiladelphiaSzymanowski Violin Concerto No. 1Mahler Symphony No. 4Orchestra commission)from Tristan and IsoldeGinastera Piano Concerto No. 1Prokofiev Violin Concerto No. 2Yannick conducts Tchaikovsky’s final symphony,Shostakovich Symphony No. 5Tchaikovsky Romeo and Julietcompleted just nine days before his death.Chausson Poème, for violin and orchestraRavel BoleroThe voice of the “out-of-this-world” JoyceDaniel Lozakovich ViolinYannick Nézet-Séguin ConductorBrahms Tragic OvertureSibelius Symphony No. 6Wagner Prelude and “Liebestod,”Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 6 (“Pathétique”)DiDonato (as Yannick describes her) is madeThis soaring work is filled with raw emotionsWe open our new season with two of Ravel’sfor Mahler’s ethereal Rückert Lieder, and theHailed as “fresh, insightful, and exciting”When the course of true love fails to run smooth ranging from sunny exuberance to solemnmost revered works: Bolero and Le Tombeau despecial connection these two stars share on(The New York Times), Gustavo Dudamelcue the strings. And the harps. Tchaikovsky’sintrospection. With his lush orchestrationsCouperin, which will spotlight new Principal Oboestage only enhances the bliss of the music.electrifies audiences around the globe withRomeo and Juliet, a sumptuous telling ofand graceful melodies, no composer capturesPhilippe Tondre. Plus, you’ll hear the extraordinaryListen carefully to the last movement ofhis passionate approach to everything heShakespeare’s star-crossed lovers, will leave yourthis spectrum of sentiments better thanlyricism of Szymanowski’s Violin Concerto No. 1Mahler’s Symphony No. 4, with its timelessconducts. Shostakovich’s Fifth Symphony isheart swelling with its famous love theme, oneTchaikovsky. Sibelius’s Sixth Symphony is alsowith virtuoso Lisa Batiashvili, who calls it, simply,balance of beauty and perfection.a perfect showcase for his highly anticipatedof the most recognizable in all of classical music.an impassioned, anti-modernist work from 1923Philadelphia Orchestra debut. The pieceRising star Daniel Lozakovich fell in love withthat Sibelius described as “pure cold water.”stands as a stirring victory of human creativitythe violin at age six and performs Prokofiev’sin the face of oppression.sparkling Second Violin Concerto, bristling“the most delicious thing in the world.”with vitality and wit.Branford Marsalisand the Sax ConcertoRhapsody in Bluewith Chick CoreaPictures froman ExhibitionBrahms andGarrick OhlssonFriday, October 30 / 2:00 PMFriday, December 11 / 2:00 PMFriday, February 5 / 2:00 PMFriday, March 26 / 2:00 PMRafael Payare ConductorYannick Nézet-Séguin ConductorAndrew Davis ConductorMichael Tilson Thomas ConductorBranford Marsalis SaxophoneChick Corea PianoDavid Kim ViolinGarrick Ohlsson PianoStrauss Don JuanEllington SolitudeRimsky-Korsakov Capriccio espagnolAdams Saxophone ConcertoGershwin Rhapsody in BlueMassenet “Meditation,” from Thaïs, forDvořák Symphony No. 7Price Symphony No. 1violin and orchestraIves A Symphony: New England HolidaysSarasate Carmen Fantasy, for violinBrahms Piano Concerto No. 2Westminster Symphonic ChoirJoe Miller DirectorNew Orleans-born Branford Marsalis is aUnless you were in New York City in 1924 forand orchestratrue Renaissance man: a Grammy-winningthe premiere, you’ve never heard Gershwin’sMusorgsky Pictures from an Exhibitionsaxophonist, band leader, Broadway composer,Rhapsody in Blue like this. Jazz legend Chickand orchestra collaborator who has also touredCorea joins the hottest big band on the planetAfter hearing Pictures from an Exhibitionthe virtuosic talent needed to perform thiswith Sting and the Grateful Dead. He joinsfor this classic melting pot of American musicalyou will see in orchestral Technicolor. Fromdramatic and expansive tour de force.the Orchestra for John Adams’s Saxophonestyles. Florence Price was the first African-the opening “Promenade” to the majesticEnter the marvelous Garrick Ohlsson, whoConcerto, inspired by the works of jazz greatsAmerican woman to have her work performed“Great Gate of Kiev,” this showpiece of thehas been wowing Philadelphia audiences withStan Getz and Charlie Parker.by a major U.S. orchestra. Yannick leadsrepertoire will send you home humming.his playing for over 50 years. Charles Ives’sthe Philadelphia Orchestra premiere of herPlus, Concertmaster David Kim offers theNew England Holidays, a radical-for-its-timeSymphony No. 1, plus music by the legendarywonderfully delicate “Meditation” fromlook at Americana, is led by the acclaimedDuke Ellington. Admit it. You always knewMassenet’s opera Thaïs.Michael Tilson Thomas.Brahms dedicated his Second Piano Concertoto his piano teacher, which might explainYannick was a hepcat at heart.142020–21 SeasonSubscribe and receive discounts on convenient garage parking.15

Friday Matinee 9Bphilorch.org / 215.893.1955Chopin’s PianoConcerto No. 2Rachmaninoff’sPiano Concerto No. 3Return tothe AcademyFriday, October 23 / 2:00 PMFriday, November 20 / 2:00 PMFriday, January 22 / 2:00 PMThe Rite of SpringGil Shaham and theKorngold Violin ConcertoFriday, March 19 / 2:00 PMChristoph Eschenbach ConductorLahav Shani ConductorSeong-Jin Cho PianoYefim Bronfman PianoFriday, April 30 / 2:00 PMAcademy of Music, PhiladelphiaYannick Nézet-Séguin ConductorYannick Nézet-Séguin ConductorFrank Picaflor (world premiere—PhiladelphiaHai-Ye Ni CelloOrchestra commission)Tugan Sokhiev ConductorStravinsky The Rite of SpringHolcomb Paradise (world premiere—Prokofiev Lieutenant KijéPhiladelphia Orchestra commission)Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 3Prokofiev Symphony-ConcertoChopin Piano Concerto No. 2Stravinsky PetrushkaProkofiev Symphony No. 5Schumann Symphony No. 2Gil Shaham ViolinProkofiev Symphony No. 1 (“Classical”)Korngold Violin ConcertoFolktales of the natural world are reimagined inDvořák Symphony No. 8this program. First, The Rite of Spring, Stravinsky’sHave you ever heard a piano sing? In thisA rare chance to hear a full night of Prokofievvision of pagan rituals, still astounds a centuryErich Korngold is the rare composer“Unequivocally brilliant” is how the Telegraphconcert you will as the masterful Yefimin the grand Academy of Music. Prokofiev’safter its riotous Paris premiere. It’s paired withrenowned both for his golden age of(London) described Seong-Jin Cho’s performanceBronfman performs Rachmaninoff’s ThirdFifth is described as the “yesterday, today, andthe world premiere of Picaflor by Composer-Hollywood movie scores (including theas the 2015 winner of the prestigious InternationalPiano Concerto, or as Bronfman calls it, “onetomorrow” of symphonies. The Symphony-in-Residence Gabriela Lena Frank. The work,Oscar-winning The Adventures of Robin Hood)Chopin Piano Competition, which might explainof the most beautiful melodies ever written”Concerto is both cello concerto and full-meaning “hummingbird,” retells a traditionaland his classical works. Leading manwhy fans are standing in line just to buy hisand “the easiest introduction to classical music:throated symphony, a sublime match for thePeruvian creation myth through the voices ofGil Shaham brings out all the singingrecordings. Hear him live when the 25-year-oldthrilling, exciting, larger than life.” This is aOrchestra and Principal Cello Hai-Ye Ni.Philadelphians with text from School Districtbeauty of this starring role for violin.rising star performs the evocative Romanticprogram of pure Russian poetry, steeped in theof Philadelphia students and visuals from Muralrepertoire that made him famous.sound that made the Philadelphians famous.Arts Philadelphia. Yannick leads the Orchestrain this collaborative program highlightingOur World NOW and WomenNOW.TchaikovskyBallet TrilogyHilary HahnPlays ProkofievEmanuel AxPlays MozartFriday, November 6 / 2:00 PMFriday, January 8 / 2:00 PMFriday, March 5 / 2:00 PMYannick Nézet-Séguin ConductorXian Zhang ConductorLouis Langrée ConductorBrian Sanders’ JUNKMonica Czausz OrganEmanuel Ax PianoKhatia and WeinbergFriday, April 16 / 2:00 PMMirga Gražinytė-Tyla ConductorHilary Hahn ViolinXi Ensō (world premiere—PhiladelphiaMozart Overture to La clemenza di TitoOrchestra commission)Eötvös When It Hits the Ocean Below (worldMozart Piano Concerto No. 9, K. 271Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1premiere—Philadelphia Orchestra commission)Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 5Weinberg Symphony No. 3The talented Emanuel Ax is the idealTchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 hasinterpreter for Mozart’s joyful Ninth Pianoeverything we associate with the composer:Tchaikovsky Selections from The Nutcracker,Swan Lake, and The Sleeping BeautyKhatia Buniatishvili PianoRethinking how we view even the mostProkofiev Violin Concerto No. 1enduring of fairy tales is part of the wonderSaint-Saëns Symphony No. 3 (“Organ”)of Our World NOW. In this production, BrianSanders’s provocative dance/physical theaterFrom its haunting, dreamy ope

Ravel Favorites Thursday, October 1 / 7:30 PM Yannick Nézet-Séguin Conductor Lisa Batiashvili Violin Ravel Le Tombeau de Couperin Szymanowski Violin Concerto No. 1 Chausson Poème, for violin and orchestra Ravel Bolero We open our new season with two of Ravel