The show will open with the energetic Dukas’ “Fanfare” from “La Peri” featuring the entire brass section in a non-traditional position at the front of the stage. Though “Fanfare” has no thematic relationship to “La Peri,” its grandeur and liveliness have allowed it to stand on its own, and it is often performed as a separate piece.
Following “Fanfare,” guest pianist Orli Shaham will join the orchestra to perform Beethoven’s “Fourth Piano Concerto.” Known for its unique structure, the concerto is full of surprises for listeners, starting with a slow and gentle piano solo before the orchestra enters in an entirely different key.
The orchestra will then move into Prokofiev’s “Fifth Symphony.” After gathering ideas for the “Fifth” for several years, Prokofiev took only a month to write it and the result was a piece less dissonant than his earlier works and largely lyrical in focus.
Both performances are preceded by a Concert Conversation in the Rehearsal Hall at Merrill Auditorium with Robert Moody and Orli Shaham an hour and 15 minutes prior to the concert’s starting time, and are followed by a PostConcert Q&A on stage with Robert Moody and Orli Shaham.
The concert is sponsored by James Crowley Portraits by Commission, who will unveil a portrait of Maestro Moody at the concert.
The opening concert can be heard on the Maine Public Broadcasting Network at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16.
Tickets range from $25-$75 and are available through PortTIX at 207-842-0800 or www.porttix.com. Tickets may also be purchased at the box office noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, at 20 Myrtle St.
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- Christian Steiner photo The 2013-2014 season of the Portland Symphony Orchestra will open with two performances of Beethoven, Prokofiev and Dukas conducted by Robert Moody with special guest pianist Orli Shaham. Isreali-born Orli Shaham has received international recognition for her skills as a pianist and is widely admired for her interpretations of both standard and modern repertoire. She has given recitals in North America, Europe and Asia and founded the highly acclaimed New York-based classical concert series for young children, Baby Got Bach. Shaham strives to bring classical music to new audiences and works regularly as a broadcaster, music writer, and lecturer in addition to performing as a pianist.
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