(Photo by Michael Morel)
“Tchasing Tchaikovsky” Opens ASO’s New Season
On Saturday, September 17, Asheville Symphony Orchestra (ASO) will begin their 2016–2017 season with “Tchasing Tchaikovsky,” a celebrative performance of works by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, leading Russian composer of the late 19th century. A man of many talents, Tchaikovsky was equally comfortable in the worlds of ballet, opera, chamber music, and orchestra. The performance begins at 8 p.m. at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium in the U.S. Cellular Center.
“Tchaikovsky is a composer I have admired my entire life,” says ASO music director Daniel Meyer. “He brought his passion to every piece of music he wrote, and we will sample his genius in one glorious evening.” Joining ASO for Tchaikovsky’s impressive Violin Concerto in D major will be New York-based violinist Jennifer Koh, one of America’s finest young soloists. Recognized for her commanding performances and dazzling virtuosity, Jennifer was winner of the 1994 International Tchaikovsky Competition held in Moscow.
Also on the program is one of Tchaikovsky’s most beloved scores, the Suite from The Sleeping Beauty. Composer Igor Stravinsky called this romantic piece “the convincing example of Tchaikovsky’s great creative power.”
Francesca da Rimini is Tchaikovsky’s symphonic poem that showcases the powerful ability of his music to convey stories. It follows the tragic tale of Francesca, a beautiful noblewoman immortalized in Dante’s Inferno who was killed by her cruel husband while having an affair with his younger brother. This piece evokes the torment of these two lovers who, in their eternal damnation, are trapped together in a violent storm, never to touch the ground again.
Adult tickets range from $22 to $62, and reduced youth pricing is also available. Single tickets and season ticket packages can be purchased online at ashevillesymphony.org, by phone at 828.254.7046, or in person at the U.S. Cellular Center ticket office.
