Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra concert season 2014 / 15 Guildhall, Portsmouth
Kirill Karabits Principal Conductor
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Welcome to the 2014 / 15 Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra Season here at Portsmouth Guildhall. The BSO is a unique orchestra with a unique remit. From our home in Poole, we create and perform concerts that empower the music scene across more than 10,000 square miles of the South and South West of England whilst maintaining a vibrant and important national and international stature.
Introduction from Dougie Scarfe Chief Executive
Our 2014/15 season here at Portsmouth Guildhall features a wide range of programmes and artists, designed to inspire our loyal regular supporters whilst finding new ways to welcome new audiences of all ages and tastes. Kirill opens the season with Brahms’ monumental First Symphony and closes it with Prokofiev’s brooding Sixth, completing our Prokofiev Symphony Cycle which has so thrilled audiences and critics in the last year. Alongside much
loved artists returning to the BSO including John Lill and Tasmin Little, we also welcome the outstanding young talents of Yulianna Avdeeva, winner of the Chopin Piano Competition 2010, Alexander Romanovsky and acclaimed conductors from the US and Canada, Julian Kuerti and Cristian Macelaru. There is the return of our popular Christmas Proms and we are performing two special concerts which will transport you to the
world of ballet and the silver screen. Find out more through our range of online resources on the BSO website. We continue to champion the role that culture plays in enhancing the communities in which we live and I would like to thank everyone who supports this remarkable organisation. Your support has never been more important and I look forward to welcoming you to another season of great music making.
Mighty Brahms
Robert Levin
Brahms was 43 by the time he finished his First Symphony. The dark, saturated orchestral colour, the rugged rhythms, the astringent, individual thematic material, are all part of his particular musical language which make it a worthy successor to those of Beethoven which overshadowed Brahms for so long. From its dramatic and tragic opening it progresses to a great affirmative and triumphant finale. A triumphal joie de vivre also permeates Beethoven’s fresh
and ebullient First Piano Concerto. Written first and foremost to please and impress audiences it is full of pianistic virtuosity, designed to show off Beethoven’s passionate prowess on the keyboard. The Marriage of Figaro transpires over the course of “one crazy day” and the music of the overture sets the scene for the hilarity that ensues in a frenetic four-minute sprint which will leave you breathless.
“the bournemouth symphony here shows it is a world-class orchestra and its response to this fine conductor is admirable” International Record Review Onyx CD of Prokofiev Symphonies No.3 and No.7 March 2014
friday
october 7.30 pm
3
mozart The Marriage of Figaro Overture beethoven Piano Concerto No.1 brahms Symphony No.1 Kirill Karabits conductor Robert Levin piano
friday
14
november 7.30 pm
borodin Prince Igor Overture shostakovich Piano Concerto No.2 tchaikovsky Symphony No.5 Julian Kuerti conductor Alexander Romanovsky piano
Sublime Shostakovich Praised for its charming simplicity, carefree spirit and lyrical warmth, Shostakovich’s Second Piano Concerto is one of his happiest and most direct works. The sublime slow movement is its crowning glory however. Opening with a cloud-shrouded string theme in a minor key, the piano enters in the major, like the sun breaking through, an effect as magical as it is simple. Tchaikovsky approached his Fifth Symphony from a position of extreme self-doubt, and again
it addresses the same issues of destiny and the quest for happiness seen in the Fourth. From its first note to last noble chord, it is filled with passionate self-questioning exposing the soul of a deep and complex man. More passion exudes from Borodin’s almost symphonic overture, packed with exotic, sinuous melodies and blazing fanfares depicting epic tales of Russian heroism.
Emma Selby
Last Night of the Christmas Proms
Louise Dearman
Enjoy another seasonal selection of Christmas favourites old and new, this year featuring Mary’s Boy Child,The Little Drummer Boy and All I Want for Christmas is You. There are also regular classics including Jingle Bells, White Christmas, Sleigh Ride, and Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire and not forgetting timeless hits by Slade and Wizzard. With all this, plus music from some of the most popular musicals of the West End and Broadway, sung by two outstanding performers of stage and screen, there really is something for everyone.
thursday
18
december 7.30 pm
Pete Harrison conductor Louise Dearman singer Lance Ellington singer
thursday
15
january 7.30 pm
brahms (arr. dvor a k) Hungarian Dances Nos.17–21 beethoven Piano Concerto No.2 dvor a k Symphony No.6 Cristian Macelaru conductor John Lill piano
Great Beginnings Symphony No.6 was the first of Dvořák’s symphonies to be published and the first to be performed widely outside of Bohemia. Clearly cast in the mould of Austrian symphonies, the rich colours and textures of the Czech folk music of Dvořák’s childhood are nonetheless present throughout, and finally burst through to dominate the rousing final movement. The folk music of Hungary was the inspiration for Brahms’ lively set of dances. Their immediate
popularity brought the young Brahms fame and fortune. The Piano Concerto in B-flat Major was Beethoven’s first major orchestral work, conceived when he was still a teenager living at home in Bonn. In structure it shares many traits with Mozart’s piano concertos, but in style it displays many daring deviations which are unquestionably Beethoven and reveal a remarkably sure hand belying the youthfulness of its composer.
Nickie Dixon, Kirill Karabits
Joy & Triumph Schumann’s Second Symphony was a personal triumph and marked the start of the final phase of his career. It is a reflection not only of his recent health issues but also the feeling of triumph of overcoming the despair that had gripped him for a year. It transports the listener towards redemption in a way that looks back to Beethoven but also predicts the future greats, like Mahler, who were to come. Chopin’s early-Romantic concerto par excellence is
dominated by the piano with the orchestra conceding all responsibility for musical development to the soloist. Brimming with details so bold and colourful, so imaginative and personal, its poetry and virtuosity linger long in the memory. Berlioz’ overture is a jubilant romp – a brazen, swash-buckling depiction of seafaring adventure bursting with rhythmic verve and energy.
Yulianna Avdeeva
friday
30
january 7.30 pm
berlioz Le Corsaire Overture chopin Piano Concerto No.2 schumann Symphony No.2 Kirill Karabits conductor Yulianna Avdeeva piano
thursday
12
february 7.30 pm
prokofiev Lieutenant Kijé Suite mendelssohn Violin Concerto tchaikovsky Symphony No.1 “Winter Daydreams” Daniele Rustioni conductor Tasmin Little violin
Tasmin’s Mendelssohn There is perhaps no more popular or beloved violin concerto than Mendelssohn’s masterpiece. Taking a journey from darkness to light, it begins restless, mysterious and questioning, and ends in a blaze of colour, full of joy and exhilaration, sustained by virtuosic melodies and lively interplay between soloist and orchestra. The First Symphony cost Tchaikovsky more labour and anguish than any other work.
Tasmin Little
Grappling with the challenge of fusing distinctively Russian music into a structured symphony, he revised and edited it for many years. It bears many hallmarks of the mature Tchaikovsky with its robust expressiveness, picturesque beauty, potent melodies and deft orchestration. Prokofiev’s reworked film score is one of his most popular creations. The life of the fictitious Lieutenant Kijé is told through a series of cheeky and witty miniatures including mock military march, pompous fanfares, clumping dance tunes and a brisk, joyful sleigh ride.
Kevin Smith, Peter Turnbull, Robb Tooley, Andy Cresci
Heroes & Superheroes Back by popular demand, Pete Harrison and the BSO present another evening of Hollywood blockbuster soundtracks, this time celebrating the heroes and superheroes of the silver screen. Films represented include Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, Schindler’s List, The Last Samurai, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Star Wars and of course the best superhero of them all – Superman, written by the finest of film composers including Maurice Jarre, Hans Zimmer, John Barry, Jerry Goldsmith and the master of the film-score, John Williams. As well as heroes, there may also be a few villains lurking about too!
friday
20
february 7.30 pm
Pete Harrison conductor
thursday
5
New Horizons
mozart Piano Concerto No.24 K.491 mahler Symphony No.9
Mozart’s Piano Concerto in C minor is widely regarded as the culmination of his achievement in the field of the piano concerto, and demands a larger orchestra than any of the other concertos. The severe and inexorable mood of the two great outer movements, the lofty thought and depth of passion, mark it as the true forerunner to those of Beethoven, and it is certainly well documented that the latter regarded the work very highly indeed.
march 7.30 pm
Karl-Heinz Steffens conductor Gerhard Oppitz piano
By the time the anguished Mahler penned his Ninth Symphony he had tragically lost his four-year-old daughter and learned of the heart ailment that would contribute to his own death two years later. It is a defiant affirmation of life as well as a poignant acceptance of mortality. A kind of farewell for the composer, the symphony also pointed the way toward the future; the simultaneous last breath of the Romantic era and first breath of the Modern.
Judith Preston, Vicky Berry
A Night at the Ballet When you think of ballet, do you think of frilly tutus, beautiful swans and dashing princes? If so, this is the perfect concert for any young aspiring ballerina or indeed any lover of great music! Ballet would be nothing without the stunning music that lies at its core and this special concert brings together some of the best ballet scores ever written including moments from Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece Swan Lake and Prokofiev’s powerful and
heart-rending Romeo & Juliet. Russia is also represented by Khachaturian and his sweeping Adagio from Spartacus made famous by The Onedin Line, as well as his whirling dervish Sabre Dance. Humour is present throughout Hérold’s comical Clog Dance as well as in Delibes’ music telling the tale of magical dolls, love, infatuation and forgiveness, whilst the music of Chopin conjures up a romantic reverie.
friday
20 march 7.30 pm
delibes Coppélia: Prelude and Mazurka, Valse de la poupée & Czardas
herold La Fille mal gardée: Clog Dance
khachaturian Gayaneh: Sabre Dance
khachaturian Spartacus: Adagio
chopin Les Sylphides: Excerpts
prokofiev Romeo and Juliet: Excerpts
tchaikovsky Swan Lake: Act IV
Martin André conductor
friday
17
april 7.30 pm
khachaturian Adagio from Spartacus khachaturian Violin Concerto dvor a k Symphony No.7 Aleksandar Markovi´c conductor Nikita Boriso-Glebsky violin
Country Folksongs Khachaturian was a composer with an incredible gift for melody, and the Violin Concerto is a fun and playful example of this. Its lush, oriental-sounding tunes, high-flying virtuosity and yearning melodic intensity soon appealed to worldwide audiences. Musical elements drawn from the folk songs and dances of Khachaturian’s native Armenia add to the festive intoxication, which are also present in the
Nikita Boriso-Glebsky
lusciously evocative Adagio from his ballet Spartacus. The Seventh is the earliest of Dvorˇák’s symphonies to have captured and held popular approval, and it remains unsurpassed among his works for profundity of conception and consummate craftsmanship. Marked by an ominous sounding opening that hints at tragedy and dark skies, it presents an atmosphere of stately richness which weaves its way through uncertainty and agitation to a final triumphant conclusion.
“a performance of magnificent sweep and intensity; noisy and raw at times, but undeniably exciting, and dramatically focused right up to the cathartic return of the brass chorale in the closing pages” The Guardian Mahler Symphony No.5 Poole, Lighthouse, November 2013
Sunwook’s Rach Three Rachmaninov said that he wrote the Third Piano Concerto “for elephants” and with its massive chords, cascading and leaping octaves, high-speed runs, dense counterpoint, and wide-spaced, busily embellished textures, it does demand a pianist with strength, dexterity, control, and stamina - and big hands! But the virtuosity always serves dramatic and expressive ends. A mood of dark, impassioned lyricism prevails throughout which builds with urgent expressiveness before reaching an almost delirious close.
The Sixth Symphony is one of Prokofiev’s finest achievements. Whilst the Fifth was a heroic response to war, the Sixth seems to speak from a deeper, more painful side of that experience. It is characterised by its dark sound, emphasised by the extensive use of the lower instruments such as cellos, basses, and tuba, whilst subdued, muted violins hang in the air like mists above an icy winter landscape.
Sunwook Kim
friday
1
may 7.30 pm
rachmaninov Piano Concerto No.3 prokofiev Symphony No.6 Kirill Karabits conductor Sunwook Kim piano
Beyond the concert hall
At the BSO we are passionate about inspiring people of all ages and communities to take part in live music-making and musical events, helping to bring people together and express themselves, encourage well-being, develop new skills, offer new opportunities and enrich the curriculum. BSO Participate, our pioneering Community and Participation Department, has developed five specially tailored and distinct strands of activity.
blast School workshops and curriculum based projects. BSO musicians work with over 1,000 children every month in primary, secondary and special needs schools and work closely with 18 Music Education Hubs and youth orchestras across the region.
Resonate Family and community performances and participation events. BSO ensembles perform family concerts, coach and perform alongside amateur players and work with community choirs and music groups from Cornwall to Hampshire.
bbs Musical exploration and play aimed at parents and young children. Fun concerts and lots of hands-on workshops focusing on antenatal to five year-olds in a family-friendly environment.
rising talent Focusing on exceptionally talented young musicians and emerging artists. The BSO is proud to have showcased the early careers of young artists and continues to encourage talented young musicians, working in partnership with South West Music School, South West Youth Orchestra and Sherborne School.
boost Promoting health and wellbeing through music. Projects include regular Tea Dances as well as workshops in hospitals and care homes, and our pioneering Dementia Orchestra in partnership with the Bournemouth University Dementia Institute.
To find out more about our varied projects visit BSOlive.com/bsoparticipate
Portsmouth Chamber Music Series 2014 / 15 The Harlequin Room, Portsmouth Guildhall We are really excited to be moving into the Harlequin Room at the Guildhall for our 2014 /15 season, and also to be bringing you a slightly expanded season of seven concerts. As usual we have a wide range of chamber music on offer, from early music to string quartets to our second ever piano recital, which I hope you will enjoy. Colin Jagger university of portsmouth director of music
monday 22 september
BSO String
monday 16 february
Ensemble
Trio Martinu˚
monday 27 october
monday 27 april
Ensemble 360 monday 1 december
La Serenissima monday 19 january
Melvyn Tan piano
Benyounes String Quartet
All concerts begin at 7.30pm. Seating is unreserved. Tickets £16 (concessions £14) Book for all concerts and receive a 20% discount BSO subscribers qualify for a 10% discount BSO Vibes £5
monday 1 june
Emma Johnson & John Lenehan clarinet & piano
Available from the University of Portsmouth Music Department 023 9284 3023 or Portsmouth Guildhall 0844 453 9028 For more information visit: www.port.ac.uk/ musicintheround www.bsolive.com/ portsmouthchamber
tickets 0844 453 9028 bsolive.com
ticket prices Tickets go on general sale on Wednesday 3 September.
£29.50 £24.25 £21 £19 £14.75 Ticket prices are inclusive of a 5% booking charge. (Charges apply for all ticket sales by telephone, online and in person).
eating at guildhall Why not book a package of concerts and save money? Generous discounts are available if you buy 3 concerts or more. Book for all 11 concerts you will receive a massive 40% off! Multibuy Discounts 11 concerts 40% 9 – 10 concerts 30% 6 – 8 concerts 20% 3 – 5 concerts 10%
Make more of your evening and enjoy a pre-concert meal at Portsmouth Guildhall. The Harlequin Restaurant is open for a selection of 2 or 3 course meals. Book in advance by calling 02393 870200 or enquiries@portsmouthguildhall.org.uk
The Guildhall Café is open from 5pm serving a range of exciting new salads and homemade foods. For more information visit www.portsmouthguildhall.org.uk
Free ‘Meet the Music’
pre-concert talks take place before every concert (except Christmas Proms) at 6.40pm in the Council Chamber on the second floor of Portsmouth Guildhall.
concessions The BSO offers the following concessions to most concerts. Please note that only one concession applies per ticket and that concessions are not available retrospectively. Proof of status is required at the time of collection. All concessions and discounts are subject to availability. BSO Kids for a Quid Under 18s: £1 per ticket (some exclusions apply).
BSO Vibes £5 per ticket (for 18–25s signed up to the scheme).
There are no discounts for disabled patrons, but an accompanying companion qualifies for a 50% discount.
50% discount for Full-time students and people on Job-Seekers Allowance or Income Support Benefit.
Group booking discounts 10 or more tickets 10% 20 or more tickets 20% 30 or more tickets 30%
50% discount for Wheelchair users and up to one companion. Please contact the ticket office for details.
Group bookings must be paid in full one month in advance of the concert date, after which tickets will be released for resale.
How to get to Guildhall
Portsmouth Guildhall Guildhall Walk Portsmouth PO1 2AB Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra 2 Seldown Lane, Poole, BH15 1UF Tel: 01202 670611 www.bsolive.com BSO is a Charity Registered No.208520 and a company limited by guarantee Registered No.538351 England.
bso portraits: Eric Richmond ericrichmond.net Design: Joe Swift windpower.uk.com
All information is correct at the time of going to press – however artists are subject to availability and the BSO reserves the right to make any necessary changes from the advertised programmes.
by road
parking
public transport
Portsmouth Guildhall is situated at the heart of Portsmouth City Centre. From the M3 (Guildford), A3 (Chichester) and M27 (Southampton), take the M275 into the City Centre. At its end follow the A3 for a short while and follow signs to the Guildhall.
There are a number of City Centre car parks, but the most convenient to use is Isambard Brunel multi-storey car park which is situated 200 metres from the Guildhall in Alec Rose Lane (PO1 2BX).
There are numerous City Centre bus services which stop within walking distance of Guildhall Square, including routes 1c, 15, 17, 18, 19, 23 and 40.
satnav use postcode PO1 2AB
As a concert-goer you can buy a parking ticket in advance for ÂŁ4 which is valid from 6pm until midnight. Purchase online or from the Guildhall box office in person. There is limited on-street parking adjacent to the Guildhall.
Portsmouth and Southsea rail station is a 5-minute walk from the Guildhall.