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The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra begins the new year with Resident Conductor Rebecca Miller's "Classics Series" debut. Performances are Friday, January 4th and Saturday, January 5th at Loyola University's Roussel Hall, at 7:30 and 8:00 pm, respectively. Each will feature Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 2, dubbed the "Little Russian" symphony for its compelling use of folk themes from the Ukraine, young American composer Pierre Jalbert's Chamber Symphony, and an incredible performance of Chopin's Piano Concerto No. 2. by acclaimed pianist Faina Lushtak.
Pierre Jalbert (pronounced JAL-burt) is Associate Professor of Composition and Theory at Rice University's Shepherd School of Music in Houston. He has received numerous awards for his compositions, including the 2007 Stoeger Award from the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center for his contributions to the chamber music repertory and the Rome Prize. Rebecca Miller first encountered his music during her recent tenure as Assistant Conductor of the Houston Symphony. This vibrant piece amply demonstrates Jalbert's accomplished and innovative use of orchestral color and continues the LPO's season-long exploration of the best of recent additions to the repertoire, along with established masterworks.
These concerts were originally intended as a showcase for New Orleans International Piano Competition medalist Dustin Gledhill, but when a bout of tendonitis forced him to bow out, the orchestra had to look only as far as the Tulane University faculty, and Professor of Music Faina Lushtak, to find a distinguished substitute as piano soloist for the concerts. A Centaur recording artist, Faina Lushtak is currently head of the piano division at Tulane University, where she holds the Downman Chair. She has consistently won praise for her interpretive powers and virtuosity from critics and audiences throughout the United States, Europe and Canada.
Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 2, Op. 17, "Little Russian" completes each concert. Tchaikovsky began work on the symphony in the summer of 1872, while vacationing at his sister's home in the Ukraine. He completed it back in Moscow that fall and it premiered in Moscow in February of 1873. It was an immediate success with audiences, critics and leading Russian composers. However, Tchaikovsky was not fully satisfied with it and premiered a thoroughly revised version eight years later, in February, 1881. It is that revised version that has become standard in the repertoire. The "Little Russian" is widely considered one of Tchaikovsky's most thoroughly joyous compositions and an on-going testament to his mastery of symphonic form.
For more information listen to this concert's LPOd, which includes conversations with LPO Resident Conductor Rebecca Miller and guest soloist Faina Lushtak. Click here to listen! |
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