Michael Francis, conductor
Joyce Yang, piano
Sibelius: The Swan of Tuonela
Sibelius: Symphony No. 5
Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 2
After a deep crisis of confidence, Rachmaninoff made an astounding comeback with his Piano Concerto No. 2. Maestro Francis conducts the sumptuous score with electrifying pianist Joyce Yang to kick off TFO’s mini festival celebrating 150 years of Rachmaninoff. The maestro calls Rachmaninoff’s concertos some of the most jaw-dropping feats of human achievement: “To be truly captivated, you must see them performed LIVE.” The soul of the rest of the program is in the swans. Sibelius sends off his Symphony No. 5 with the soaring “swan theme” in the finale, while the English horn (TFO’s Jeffrey Stephenson) is the elegant voice of his Swan of Tuonela. For complete program information, including repertoire, program notes, artist bios, and maps to our venues, click here.
Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3: TFO’s mini festival continues next weekend with Rachmaninoff’s most difficult – and most thrilling – work, also featuring Joyce Yang.
PRE-CONCERT CONVERSATIONS: Get the real story behind the composers and their music, straight from the conductor and guest soloists. Starts one hour before each Masterworks concert in the theater. Included free with each concert ticket. Sponsored by Smith & Associates Real Estate
TFO is grateful to Dr. Robert Wharton for his generosity as patron, donor and sponsor of this concert.
Part of St. Petersburg's Celebration of the Arts
Sponsored in part by the State of Florida through the Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture, and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.
