Tuesday May 24, 2016, 8:00pm
Merkin Concert Hall at Kaufman Music Center
129 West 67th Street, New York, NY 10023
KaufmanMusicCenter.org
Tickets: $30 General Admission, $20 Sthttp://www.kaufmanmusiccenter.org/mch/event/sonos-chamber-orchestra-erik-ochsner-conductor/udent/Senior
The concert was shaped by musical excellence and by the successful realization of several discrete goals. Contemporary composers, represented by both short, occasional pieces and monumental works, were championed; young artists’ careers were moved forward; neglected music was brought out for renewal. Ochsner uses his own musical gifts and administrative skills not merely to advocate for contemporary music and musicians and to enrich and inspire the lives of all who listen. How lucky we all are.
SONOS Chamber Orchestra: Nature as an inspiration for Music
Edmund Stone
Nature and physical surroundings have long inspired composers: whether it’s the more than 150,000 lakes in Finland, the Northern Lights in Canada, or the astronomical wonders of our Cosmos. To honor the 150th birth season of Jean Sibelius, SONOS performs the New York Premiere of the melodrama version of “The Wood Nymph”, narrated by Edmund Stone, host of the radio program “The Score.” Also on the program is a newly commissioned Concerto for Two Pianos and Chamber Orchestra (including a “Valse Triste”) by Fredrik Sixten. South Korea’s Yoo + Kim Piano Duo (winners of the 2013 Dranoff International 2 Piano Competition) will perform. Also on the program is music by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Paul Moravec, and Finnish composer Pehr Henrik Nordgen.
Classical music continues to draw audiences and provides an opportunity to be soothed, entertained and sometimes even challenged. As an art, new music must always be composed and producers and artists much program these to further the art. In 2008, Music Director Erik Ochsner met Swedish composer Fredrik Sixten and then SONOS performed Fredrik’s magnificent Requiem. To reflect our commitment to living composers, we are very excited to announce a SONOS commission: Concerto for 2 Pianos and Chamber Orchestra by Fredrik Sixten
Yoo + Kim, piano duo
Fredrik Sixten
After the huge success of Fredrik’s Requiem in 2012, SONOS commissioned this new concerto which is composed in honor of the Dranoff International 2 Piano Foundation, and dedicated to the memory of Ruth Unger.
Listen to the SONOS Chamber Orchestra choir perform Agnus Dei from the Fredik Sixten’s Requiem.
PROGRAM
Jessie Montgomery (b. 1981)
Starburst for strings
Jean Sibelius (1865-1957)
The Wood Nymph (Skogsrået), Op. 15 – N.Y. Premiere
Melodrama version for speaker, piano, 2 horns & string orchestra
Edmund Stone, narrator
Alexander Brott (1915-2005)
Aurora Borealis – U.S. Premiere
Pehr Henrik Nordgren (1944-2008)
Chamber Symphony Op. 97 (1996) – U.S. Premiere
– Intermission –
Paul Moravec (b. 1957)
Albany Rhythms
Alice Ping Yee Ho (b. 1960)
Dark Waters – World Premiere of new orchestration
Fredrik Sixten (b. 1962)
Concerto for Two Pianos and Chamber Orchestra – World Premiere
Yoo + Kim, piano duo
Commissioned by SONOS Chamber Orchestra,
Erik Eino Ochsner, Music Director;
in honor of the Dranoff International 2 Piano Foundation;
Dedicated to the memory of Ruth Unger
Dave Grusin (b. 1934)
Theme to On Golden Pond – World Premiere SONOS Commission
Arranged by Jeremy Franklin Goodman with permission
Commissioned by Erik Ochsner in honor of Ruth Unger
Read the complete concert’s Program
(PDF document)