February 6, 2016 7:00pm
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Shostakovich’s Tenth Symphony is sardonic, gripping, and feisty; it is a tour de force. The heartfelt cry for freedom written under the shadow of Stalinism, it’s still one of the 20th century’s most overwhelming symphonic experiences. The second half of the concert features virtuoso pianist Tsu-yi Chen. Celebrated around the world, Chen performs Tchaikovsly's powerful Piano Concerto No. 1. In 1875, critics and soloists deemed Tchaikovsky’s First Piano Concerto technically unplayable, but now orchestras and pianists perform it across the globe. With its explosive opening chords and lyrical melodies, Tchaikovsky composed a concerto for the ages, His first piano concerto contains bold, dramatic keystrokes that produce rippling passages of beautiful music.
