Lunchtime Concert - Triumph and Tragedy

Elder Conservatorium Symphony Orchestra

Nicholas Braithwaite conductor
Haowei Yang  piano

Ravel  Piano Concerto for the Left Hand  
Tchaikovsky  Romeo and Juliet
Kristopher Man  new work

Ravel was at the height of his powers when he acceded to a request from Paul Wittgenstein, a pianist who lost his right arm during WWI. Dark-hued sonorities in the piano combine with astonishing orchestral effects from unusual instrumental combinations. Balakirev suggested Tchaikovsky write a work based on Romeo and Juliet, and after much typical soul searching, criticism and reworking he finally received praise from the Kutchka and growing audience appreciation. Today, the love theme could hardly be more familiar after multiple screen appearances. Also featuring another premiere for Conservatorium student Kristopher Man.

Tagged in Elder Conservatorium of Music, Concert Series, Concerts, Lunchtime series