NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA OF UKRAINE
Volodymyr Sirenko, chief conductor
Olga Kern, pianist
November 16, 2019 at 7:30 p.m.
Knight Concert Hall
This Orchestra’s “strings can conjure up a vibrant songfulness; the woodwinds have a fruity, penetrating ripeness; the brass could endanger the walls of Jericho; the percussion might wake the dead.” – The Sydney Morning Herald
Formed by the Council of Ministers of Ukraine in November of 1918, the NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA OF UKRAINE (NSOU) is considered one of the finest symphony orchestras in Eastern Europe. Throughout its history, the NSOU has premiered the works of major composers such as Prokofiev, Shostakovich, Khachaturian. Since 1993, the NSOU has released more than 100 recordings and has toured throughout Europe, Asia, and Australia. Among the hundreds of programs VOLODYMYR SIRENKO, the Orchestra’s artistic director and chief conductor since 1999, has performed with the Orchestra, highlights include cycles of Mahler’s Complete Symphonies and all four Bach Passions and Mass in B Minor. VOLODYMYR SIRENKO is a People’s Artist of Ukraine and laureate of the Taras Shevchenko National Prize, Ukraine’s most prestigious award. The Russian-American pianist OLGA KERN is now recognized as one of her generation’s great artists. With her vivid stage presence, passionately confident musicianship and extraordinary technique, the striking pianist has captivated fans and critics alike throughout the world.
At the heart of the program is Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1, whose thunderously triumphant opening chords are among the most famous in all classical music. Surrounding the concerto are orchestral scores by Berezovsky and Tchaikovsky. The Ukrainians will play the irresistible Symphony in C Major, a piece that stands alone with its infectious, joyous rhythms. Closing the concert is Tchaikovsky’s monumental and life affirming Symphony No. 6., a test of any great orchestra’s mettle and a beloved treasure of the orchestral repertory.
TICKET INFORMATION
Season ticket prices for the six-concert KNIGHT MASTERWORKS CLASSICAL MUSIC SERIES range from $280-$870* Subscriptions can be renewed now and new subscriptions can be purchased by phone at (305) 949-6722, online at arshtcenter.org or in person at the Adrienne Arsht Center Box Office. Priority group seating for 15 or more guests may be arranged by calling the Adrienne Arsht Center at (786) 468-2326.
The 2019-2020 John S. and James L. Knight Masterworks Season Classical Music Series is funded with leadership support from Knight Foundation, with additional support from Crystal Cruises; University of Miami Health System; Sterling Vineyards; Steinway Piano Gallery of Miami; Caring Friends Foundation, Bank of America, N.A., Co-Trustee; and Encore Circle members.