CANCELED

RACHMANINOFF AND PROKOFIEV

April 17-18, 2020 | Music Hall

CANCELED

These concerts are canceled due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns. Ticket info.

Program

CAROLINE SHAW: Observatory [CSO Co-Commission]
RACHMANINOFF: Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini
PROKOFIEV: Symphony No. 5

Artists

Xian Zhang, conductor
George Li, piano

Venue

Music Hall

Ticket Prices

$14-$130

Concert Duration

About 2 hours with intermission

Series

This concert is part of Series 1

What's Interesting

After her electrifying CSO debut in 2012, conductor Xian Zhang returns to lead a program of Russian masterpieces.
Composer Caroline Shaw won a Pulitzer Prize in 2013 at age 30—the youngest person to ever receive it. We're excited to present a co-commission of her Observatory. You can say you heard it here first.
Rachmaninov’s sure-to-please piano showpiece reimagines the theme of Paganini’s Caprice No. 24.
Prokofiev’s Fifth was hugely anticipated. His first new symphony in 16 years came as the Russian Army was triumphantly marching into Germany to end WWII.

Explore our Spotify playlists for this concert and for the entire season.

Friday 11 am concert parking update.

"I've heard this..."

This program includes a powerful musical moment that you might recognize once you hear it, even if the name of the piece doesn't sound familiar. If you're wondering why Rachmaninoff's Rhapsody on a Theme of Paginini rings a bell, you might have Bill Murray's piano solo in the movie Groundhog Day to thank.

Music+

Make your concert experience even more interesting.

Gene Chang interviews composer Jonathan Bailey Holland

Pre-concert Talks

Join us one hour prior to the concert for a casual and engaging discussion.

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Concert attendees socializing in the Music Hall foyer

New Works Social

Following these performances, join other music lovers at the Grand Foyer bar in the center of the lobby.

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What Critics Are Saying

“Zhang is an extraordinary conductor, unfolding the majesty and mystery of this work with singing clarity. [...] Her direction is precise and her command of these powerful musical forces is absolute…”

—Broad Street Review

"[The] drama was brilliantly realised with the extraordinary Sergio Tiempo at the keyboard [...] Tiempo’s performance was astonishing by its combination of unbuttoned wildness and fastidious precision."

—The Independent