Featured Artists
Yannick Nézet-Séguin
Hélène Grimaud
Pianist Hélène Grimaud brings “astonishing proficiency and poetic sensibilities” (The Washington Post) to Brahms’s First Piano Concerto; 19th-century composer Louise Farrenc’s surging, Romantic First Symphony beguiles with mystery and melody; and Pulitzer Prize–winning composer Julia Wolfe’s Pretty is a raucous, rhythmic romp.
Pianist Hélène Grimaud’s “astonishing show of proficiency and poetic sensibilities” (The Washington Post) is the perfect skill set for Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 1, which summons a storm and then blesses the listener with a benediction.
Nineteenth-century composer Louise Farrenc got little recognition during her lifetime; male music critics offered only backhanded compliments. Yannick has championed Farrenc’s works, noting “her symphonies and the overtures should hold a similar place as Schumann and Mendelssohn.” Her First Symphony surges with romance, a melodic, moving thrill from its mysterious opening to its racing flourish of a finale.
Contemporary composer Julia Wolfe’s works make headlines, change hearts and draw new fans with each new bold venture. Her newest piece, Pretty, co-commissioned by The Philadelphia Orchestra, boldly combines a vernacular American sound with noise, power, delicacy, and aggression.
Program
Wolfe
Pretty (Philadelphia Orchestra co-commission)
Farrenc
Symphony No. 1
Brahms
Piano Concerto No. 1