BEETHOVEN & RAVEL AT VICTORY THEATRE

Get ready for a night of unforgettable music when the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra takes the stage at the Victory Theatre on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 7 p.m. This exciting concert features two legendary composers: Ludwig van Beethoven and Maurice Ravel. Under the direction of Music Director Roger Kalia, the evening promises to be a thrilling combination of bold, heroic music and vibrant, jazzy piano magic.

The concert will kick off with Maurice Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G, a piece that blends classical elegance with the lively energy of jazz. Written in the 1930s, Ravel’s concerto is a mix of playful rhythms and lush melodies. The first movement starts with an upbeat energy while the second movement takes a more relaxed, bluesy turn. The finale is a lively, fast-paced section that highlights the virtuosity of the soloist, filled with sparkling piano runs and intricate rhythms.

The featured soloist for this performance is 20-year-old pianist Parker Van Ostrand, who is making his debut with the Evansville Philharmonic. A rising star in the classical music world, Parker is currently studying at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, where he’s learning from renowned pianists Garrick Ohlsson and Yoshikazu Nagai.

Parker’s list of accolades is impressive, recently winning the 2023 PianoTexas Academy Concerto Competition and performing with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. He’s also a Gold Medalist from the Wideman International Piano Competition and played alongside famous artists like Yuja Wang.

Parker’s technical skill and musical expression have already earned him widespread recognition, and his performance of Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G will surely be one of the evening’s highlights. This young pianist has a bright future ahead, and you’ll get to see him up close in what’s sure to be an electrifying performance.

The second half of the concert will feature Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3 in E-flat major, also known as Eroica . This symphony is one of Beethoven’s most groundbreaking works and is often seen as a turning point in the history of classical music. Eroica is filled with dramatic, emotional moments and reflects themes of heroism and struggle. Originally written as a tribute to Napoleon Bonaparte (before Beethoven famously withdrew the dedication), the symphony’s boldness and grandeur make it one of the most beloved pieces. From the triumphant opening to the somber funeral march and the victorious finale, Eroica is a musical journey that is as powerful as it is moving.

Under the direction of Roger Kalia, the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra will bring out all the emotional depth of Beethoven’s masterpiece, making it a perfect complement to the energy and sparkle of Ravel’s concerto.

This concert is made possible by generous sponsorship, from Dr. Lee & Kirsten Wagmeister sponsoring the concert, the Koch Foundation sponsoring the guest artist, and Droste’s Jewelry Shoppes supporting the Symphony of Color. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of classical music or new to the genre, this concert offers something for everyone— from the vibrant, jazzy energy of Ravel to the grand, heroic sounds of Beethoven.

Don’t miss out on this incredible evening of music! Join us on January 18, 2025, at the Victory Theatre in Evansville for a night of unforgettable performances. Tickets are available now, so be sure to get yours before they sell out!

**Regarding the Symphony of Color – this is a contest offered to first – fifth grade tristate community elementary schools. Students listen to a specific work and create a drawing/painting to submit to the EP. This year’s contest information is here: https:// evansvillephilharmonic.org/symphony-of-color/