Spokane Symphony showcases 20th century American masterpieces

Feb 2, 2006

For Immediate Release

Contact: Annie Matlow 326-3136

SPOKANE: The Spokane Symphony, associate conductor Morihiko Nakahara and pianist Norman Krieger will showcase three 20th century masterpieces written in America on Friday, Feb. 10, 2006 at 8 p.m. at the Spokane Opera House.

A native of Los Angeles, Norman Krieger is one of the most acclaimed pianists of his generation, highly regarded as an artist of depth, sensitivity and virtuosic flair. Krieger regularly appears with symphonies across the nation and has performed throughout the world. He is a champion at contemporary music, has four recordings available and has been the recipient of many awards and recognitions, such as Paderewski Foundation Award and the Bruce Hungerford Memorial Prize. Krieger will be performing Gershwin's Piano Concerto in F.

All of tonight's works were written in America even the gloriously Russian Symphonic Dances by Sergei Rachmaninoff, who had fled the Russian Revolution in 1917 and in his last years was living in the United States writing for his favorite symphonic ensemble, The Philadelphia Orchestra. George Gershwin and Christopher Rouse are American composers through and through, but their musical voices are different, reflecting their separated eras. Gershwin's Concerto in F expresses the boisterous energy and confidence of America in the 1920's while Rouse's Rapture comes from our own time, when the U.S. has been chastened by wars and financial challenges.

As well as being an ecstatic spiritual experience, Rapture is a glorious 21st-century celebration of the orchestra, utilizing every instrument and family with superb dramatic impact. Besides following a progressive acceleration of tempo, it also builds, with some ebb and flow, a steady crescendo from the almost inaudible beginning to its exultant ffff conclusion.

Gershwin starts off his Piano Concerto in F with the enthusiastic Charleston rhythm, intertwined with themes by bassoon and then piano. With its mournful theme introduced by muted solo trumpet, the second movement is a masterpiece of atmosphere and perhaps the highlight of the entire work. With its joyous bravura, the Concerto's last moments express the confidence of a young, vital America and of the fearless young genius who gave it a voice all its own.

Symphonic Dances is a retrospective work that sums up Rachmaninoff's musical and personal philosophy. Yet it is also an astonishingly youthful creation that shows the composer at the peak of his powers. This swan song was intended for the ballet, but due to the death of Rachmaninoff's choreographer friend it killed that possibility. He creates a wondrous kaleidoscope of instrumental colors, from the mellow crooning of an alto saxophone to the dry-bones clatter of a xylophone. Rachmaninoff maintains a careful balance between emotion and detachment as he surveys the world with the wisdom of approaching life's end.

Concert goers will be able to celebrate Valentine's Day just a little early at the Made in America concert on Feb. 10. To make that evening even more special, purchase the Rose and Chocolate Special for $10.

Simply add the Roses and Chocolate Special to a ticket purchase for an additional $10 and pick up a long-stemmed rose and a small box of Hallet's Chocolates when you arrive at the Opera House. Subscribers who already have tickets to the concert may add the Roses and Chocolate Special by calling 624-1200 or stopping by the Spokane Symphony Ticket Office at 818 W. Riverside.

The Spokane Symphony also takes this opportunity to salute Spokane area educators, including presentation of a special award to two Arts Advocate Administrators, chosen by the Education Committee of the Symphony from nominations by area educators and music teachers. All educators, especially music teachers, will be eligible to purchase tickets at a special rate of two-for-one for this concert.

Included at this concert will be a special musical instrument drive, conducted in cooperation with Spokane Public Schools, Amend Music Center, Violinworks, and the Spokane Symphony. Concert attendees are encouraged to donate musical instruments they no longer use to benefit students in the district who are unable to afford their own. Donors will receive a coupon for a free concert this season as well as a statement from the District acknowledging the donated instrument. Amend Music Center and Violinworks will repair the instruments.

The Symphony provides educational programs for the region, including small ensembles visiting schools, resource boxes available for teachers, music specialists coaching secondary school students, open rehearsals for students, and the live, Classical Chat, broadcast on City Channel 5.
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This concert is underwritten by William C. Fix Investments and Whitworth College.

Tickets are $15, $23, $31, and $35. Tickets are available in advance without service charge at the Spokane Symphony Ticket office, 818 W. Riverside, Suite 100, or by calling 509-624-1200. Tickets are also available at all TicketsWest outlets or by calling 1-800-325-SEAT or at spokanesymphony.org.