October 14, 2011  to October 15, 2011

Scheherazade
8 p.m., Majestic Theatre
First concert in the Masterclassics series
First concert in the Ovation series

Sebastian Lang-Lessing, conductor
Alexander Gavrylyuk, piano

Barber Overture to The School for Scandal
Liszt Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 in D minor
Liszt Piano Concerto No. 1 in E-flat major, S.124
Rimsky-Korsakov Scheherazade, Op.35

(program notes)

Once upon a time a ruthless Sultan was convinced that all women were false and faithless, so he vowed to put to death each of his many wives after their first night together. But, Scheherazade told him compelling tales for 1001 nights that so captured his curiosity that it caused him to spare her life and repudiate his bloody vow.

Rimsky-Korsakov tells this ancient tale of Arabian Nights with the most expansive orchestral colors imaginable. Strongly influenced by Liszt’s harmonic language and Russian folk music, Rimsky-Korsakov created a brilliant palette with charming melodies and glorious solos.

The first half of this season opener of romantic favorites features a virtuoso showpiece for piano by Franz Liszt to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Liszt’s birth. Pianist Alexander Gavryluk, a Ukranian currently living in Australia, has been compared to Horowitz by the LA Times.