Under the virtuosic fingers of pianist Nicholas Angelich, the full force of Rachmaninoff’s last two piano concertos, to be performed in alternation, is revealed. The fourth incorporates elements of jazz and impressionism that mesh well with the exiled Russian composer’s percussive style, while the third is absolutely enthralling. The heritage of Beethoven and Bruckner as well as Tchaikovsky’s melodic inspiration are heard in the opening clarinet solo and powerful, fluent universe of Sibelius’s first symphony.
Nicolas GILBERT: Avril (premiere) *
RACHMANINOFF: Piano Concerto No. 4
SIBELIUS: Symphony No. 1
*Commissioned by the Orchestre Métropolitain and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada
Preconcert talks
Mario F. Paquet invites the public to discover the works on the program during a free 30-minute bilingual chat with the concert players.
Young Music Lovers Preludes
A musical performance by young musicians takes place in the Foyer Allegro 30 minutes before the beginning of each concert presented at the Maison symphonique de Montréal.
