The Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) welcomes another visit from incoming Music Director Gustavo Gimeno this week, October 9, 10 & 12! Gimeno Conducts Daphnis et Chloé features four works by French and Russian composers that give the entire Orchestra the opportunity to shine.
Guillaume Connesson: Aleph: Danse symphonique
In this piece, you will hear the influence of composers Gustav Holst and Leonard Bernstein in French composer Guillaume Connesson’s symphonic depiction of the Big Bang. The TSO commissioned this work alongside the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and the New World Symphony, and gave the Canadian Première in 2007 led by French conductor Stéphane Denève.
Prokofiev: Piano Concerto No. 3
The gifted Italian pianist Beatrice Rana makes her TSO début with Prokofiev’s most well-known piano concerto. Prokofiev described the final movement as an “argument” between the soloist and orchestra—and he certainly would have known, since he was not only the composer but also the soloist at the world première in 1921.
Photo courtesy of TSO
Tchaikovsky: The Tempest Fantasy-Overture
While not as frequently performed as his other Shakespeare-inspired fantasy-overtures (Romeo and Juliet and Hamlet), Tchaikovsky’s The Tempest Fantasy-Overture is a gorgeous symphonic poem. The work depicts central themes from the play including the sea and a storm, and features a heart-rending love theme. I have yet to experience this one live.
Ravel: Daphnis et Chloé Suite No. 2
Ravel composed Daphnis et Chloé as a complete ballet, but repurposed the music as two concert suites. This second suite comprises music from the end of the story, in which the mythological lovers Daphnis and Chloé are reunited. This piece features more than a dozen percussion instruments throughout. I’m excited for this one.
I highly enjoyed Gimeno’s visit to the TSO this past summer. I think this visit will be another exciting time at the symphony. If you still need a reason to get your tickets for this exciting program, here is one more.
Hear the full force of the Orchestra. This dramatic, sweeping program gives the entire Orchestra a chance to shine. Every section will have a moment in the spotlight in this collection of four French and Russian works composed between 1873 and 2007. A full orchestra is always a treat for the senses.
Order your tickets for this exciting performance pronto. If you order by October 11, you can save 20% off* more select concerts with promo code FALL20.
Order online at TSO.CA/Fall, or call 416-593-1285.
*Offer only valid for Oct 12, Nov 7, 21 & 22 performances, when using promo code FALL20, and when ordered by Oct 11, 2019, at 11:59pm.
Visit TSO.CA/Fall for full details.
