National Philharmonic Season Brochure 1415

2014-2015 Season

THE NATIONAL PHILHARMONIC

Celebrating 10 Years at the Music Center at Strathmore

Piotr Gajewski, Music Director & Conductor

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Welcome to the 2014-2015 Season OF THE NATIONAL PHILHARMONIC!

It seems like only yesterday that the Music Center at Strathmore was being constructed and the National Philharmonic was waiting with great anticipation to play our first notes on the beautiful stage of this acoustically wondrous concert hall. And here we are, 10 years and well over 200 concerts later, about to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the National Philharmonic at Strathmore.

The celebration in early February features the annual recital by pianist Brian Ganz, now almost halfway through his quest to perform all the works of Frederic Chopin, and a 10th anniversary concert that includes Beethoven’s epic Symphony No. 9; a reprise of Andreas Makris’ Strathmore Overture (commissioned for Strathmore’s inauguration); and cameo appearances by Ganz and cellist Summer Hu. At age 11, Hu was one of the first musicians to take the Strathmore stage – my, how her music has grown!

The season also includes many works of Bach (the Brandenburg Concertos and St. John Passion), Mozart (the Requiem and Jupiter Symphony) and other great composers. Soloists include National Philharmonic favorites violinist Chee-Yun, cellist Zuill Bailey and the 2009 Van Cliburn Gold Medalist, Chinese pianist Haochen Zhang.

Please join me for the exciting 10th anniversary season of the National Philharmonic at Strathmore!

Piotr Gajewski Music Director & Conductor

SUBSCRIBE TODAY!

Don’t miss a beat of the National Philharmonic’s thrilling 2014-2015 season, led by Music Director and Conductor Piotr Gajewski, who emanates “a sense of gusto” (The Washington Post).

The only way to secure the best seats (or any seats) is with a season subscription to the Philharmonic’s “exciting” and “luminous” (The Washington Post) performances at the beautiful Music Center at Strathmore.

Flexible Custom Series: Compose your own subscription! Select the concerts you want to attend and the seating area you would like.

Pick four or more concerts and receive substantial discounts!

(See page 13 for more information on discounts.)

SUBSCRIBER BENEFITS ABSOLUTE BEST SEATING Priority seating now and for future seasons.

NO LINES AT THE TICKET OFFICE No worries about missing the downbeat.

SUBSTANTIAL DISCOUNTS Subscribers receive significant discounts on tickets, depending on the number of concerts ordered.

Order more concerts, receive greater discounts (see page 13).

TAX DEDUCTIONS Subscription tickets returned 48 hours in advance of performances are acknowledged as a tax-deductible donation.

NATIONAL PHILHARMONIC BENEFITS FREE PARKING Located in the Grosvenor-Strathmore Metro garage on Tuckerman Lane.

ALL KIDS, ALL FREE, ALL THE TIME Young people age 7-17 can attend ALL National Philharmonic concerts free of charge, making it easy for families to go to concerts together!

All seats are reserved, so include the number of KIDS FREE tickets needed when filling out your subscription order form. Throughout the year, KIDS FREE tickets may be obtained in person at the Strathmore Ticket Office or by phone (301-581-5100).

GROUP DISCOUNTS Groups of 10 or more receive exceptional discounts off single ticket prices. For group ticket information, please call 301-581-5199.

FLEXIBILITY Tickets may be exchanged for another 2014-2015 National Philharmonic concert (subject to availability). Exchanges must be made at least 48 hours before the concert for which tickets are held.

Exchange your tickets in person at the Strathmore Ticket Office or by mail.

FREE TICKET INSURANCE Lost tickets? National Philharmonic can issue replacement seating passes through the Strathmore Ticket Office (301-581-5100).

PRELUDE OFFERINGS

Free lectures by National Philharmonic Associate Conductor Victoria Gau are offered before concerts throughout the season. Please check nationalphilharmonic.org for up-to-date information.

Before the concert, patrons can share a glass of wine, dinner or a delicious dessert with friends or family at the Prelude Café.

Become a Member of the National Philharmonic at the Sustainer Level for exclusive access to the Comcast Lounge before the concert and at intermission throughout the season.

Music. Works. Wonders.

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DVOŘÁK’S NEW WORLD SYMPHONY Saturday, October 18, 2014 Sunday, October 19, 2014 Chee-Yun, violin Piotr Gajewski, conductor Mendelssohn’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream overture, composed when he was just a teenager, kicks off the National Philharmonic’s 2014-2015 season! The magical overture captures the whimsical characters and fairyland integral to Shakespeare’s play. Next, award-winning violinist Chee-Yun, whose “technique is brilliant…tone smooth, rich and flawless” (Strings Magazine), performs the Sibelius Concerto for Violin. The concert concludes with Dvořák’s most popular work, Symphony No. 9 (“From the New World”), completed in 1893 during the great Czech nationalist composer’s stay in this country. Full of memorable melodies, this symphony employs Native American tunes to reflect the spirit of America.

Mendelssohn Sibelius Dvořák

A Midsummer Night’s Dream overture Concerto for Violin Symphony No. 9 (“From the New World”)

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Complimentary parking!

MOZART’S REQUIEM

Saturday, November 1, 2014 Sunday, November 2, 2014 Danielle Talamantes, soprano Magdalena Wór, mezzo-soprano Robert Baker, tenor Christòpheren Nomura, baritone National Philharmonic Chorale Stan Engebretson, conductor Join us for an exciting evening celebrating the vocal genius of Mozart.

The poignant Ave Verum Corpus has been described as virtually perfect in conception and execution. The brilliant motet Exsultate Jubilate for soprano and orchestra is one of Mozart’s earliest and most popular works due to its soaring virtuosic “Alleluia” refrain. The evening concludes with Mozart’s final work, the magnificent Requiem, which still moves audiences as much today as it did more than 200 years ago. Particularly in his vocal music, Mozart writes with a sheer boldness of dramatic expression, balancing feelings of joy with sorrow in a timeless and profound manner.

Mozart

Ave Verum Corpus Exsultate Jubilate Requiem

Music. Works. Wonders.

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Capture the

HANDEL’S MESSIAH

Saturday, December 20, 2014 Sunday, December 21, 2014

Holiday Spirit with the National Philharmonic!

Rosa Lamoreaux, soprano Margaret Mezzacappa, mezzo-soprano Matthew Smith, tenor Kevin Deas, bass National Philharmonic Chorale Stan Engebretson, conductor Begin your holidays with Handel’s 1741 masterpiece, Messiah, one of the most cherished and frequently performed works in Western choral literature. The critically acclaimed National Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorale, conducted by Stan Engebretson and joined by a superb cast of soloists, bring the joy, spirit and tidings of the season to you with this glorious oratorio, which includes such timeless favorites as “And the Glory of the Lord” and the “Hallelujah Chorus.” Purchase tickets to these performances early as they tend to sell out!

Handel

Messiah

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HAYDN’S SURPRISE SYMPHONY Saturday, January 10, 2015 Zuill Bailey, cello Piotr Gajewski, conductor Prague, the capital of Bohemia (now the Czech Republic), was one of the few cities to show genuine interest in Mozart’s work during his lifetime. The Symphony No. 38 (“Prague”) is a masterpiece of Mozart’s mature style and one of the finest works in the Viennese Classical style. Celebrated cellist Zuill Bailey performs Haydn’s Cello Concerto No. 2, which not only brilliantly exploits the resources of the instrument, but also rewards the listener with music of extraordinary beauty and elegance. The concert concludes with Haydn’s Symphony No. 94 (“Surprise”), known as the “Symphony with the Drumbeat.”

Mozart Haydn

Symphony No. 38 (“Prague”) Cello Concerto No. 2 Symphony No. 94 (“Surprise”)

BACH’S BRANDENBURGS Saturday, January 24, 2015 Sunday, January 25, 2015 Justine Lamb-Budge, violin Victoria Chiang, viola Julius Wirth, viola David Whiteside, flute Nicolette Oppelt, flute Mark Hill, oboe Chris Gekker, trumpet Piotr Gajewski, conductor Few musical works are as beloved as Bach’s six Brandenburg Concertos, which reveal a relatively Brandenbur light side of the composer’ composer’s genius. The lively concertos ar are a highlight of Baroque music, rreflecting one of the happiest and most productive periods of Bach’s life. Each was written for a different combination of instruments: No. 2 showcases four solo instruments — flute, violin, oboe and trumpet; No. 3 features strings with keyboard; and No. 4 combines solo violin with a pair of flutes to offer a range of effects from virtuosity to sweetness.

Finally, the striking and unusual No. 6 is scored for two violas da braccio, two violas da gamba, cello and continuo (harpsichord and string bass).

Bach

Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 Brandenburg Concerto No. 6

Music. Works. Wonders.

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National Philharmonic Celebrat BRIAN GANZ PLAYS CHOPIN Saturday, February 7, 2015

What was it about the mazurka that was so alluring to Chopin?

The dance form originated near Warsaw, the city of his childhood, so perhaps composing one was a kind of musical express visit to the land of his youth. Chopin imbues his mazurkas with an immense range of emotions, from sweet nostalgia to mysterious longing, from bitter despair to joyful celebration. Join pianist Brian Ganz, a prizewinner in the Queen Elisabeth of Belgium International Piano Competition, for the fifth recital in his quest to perform all of the composer’s works as he explores the many facets of this beguiling dance in Chopin’s music. “There isn’t much about Chopin that Brian Ganz doesn’t know. His delight and wonder in this music seem to grow, apparently without bounds, as time goes on.”

(The Washington Post) Chopin Four Mazurkas, Op. 24 Polonaise in F-sharp minor, Op. 44 Three Mazurkas, Op. 50 Three Waltzes, Op. 64 Two Nocturnes, Op. 15, Nos. 2, 3 Three Mazurkas, Op. 59 Rondo à la Mazur, Op. 5

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Complimentary parking!

brates 10 Years at Strathmore!

10TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT BEETHOVEN’S NINTH Sunday, February 8, 2015

Brian Ganz, piano Summer Hu, cello Danielle Talamantes, soprano Margaret Mezzacappa, mezzo-soprano Colin Eaton, tenor Norman Garrett, baritone National Philharmonic Chorale Piotr Gajewski, conductor Join us for a reprise of the National Philharmonic’s inaugural Strathmore concert from February 12, 2005, which included Andreas Makris’ Strathmore Overture and Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony! Cellist Summer Hu, who at age 11, was one of the first musicians to perform at Strathmore, plays Tchaikovsky’s romantic Variations on a Rococo Theme. Formidable Chopin interpreter pianist Brian Ganz, a longtime soloist with the Philharmonic and audience favorite, plays the composer’s Grande Polonaise Brillante. The anniversary concert ends with Beethoven’s monumental Ninth Symphony (“Choral”), a paean to the brotherhood of man and a work of great optimism.

Makris Tchaikovsky Chopin Beethoven

Music. Works. Wonders.

Strathmore Overture Variations on a Rococo Theme Introduction and Grande Polonaise Brillante Symphony No. 9 in D minor (“Choral”)

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RACHMANINOFF’S PIANO CONCERTO NO. 3 Saturday, March 28, 2015 Sunday, March 29, 2015 Haochen Zhang, piano Piotr Gajewski, conductor In Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet Overture-Fantasy, doomed love resonates deeply as Shakespeare’s tragedy and the composer’s tortured personal life collide in this dramatic masterpiece. Full of Spanish folk melodies, RimskyKorsakov’s Capriccio Espagnol developed into an orchestral work showcasing the virtuosity of various instrumentalists. The extraordinary pianist Haochen Zhang, Gold Medal winner of the 2009 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, comes to the National Philharmonic as the soloist for the “Mount Everest” of piano concertos, Rachmaninoff’s Concerto No. 3.

Tchaikovsky Rimsky-Korsakov Rachmaninoff

Romeo and Juliet Overture-Fantasy Capriccio Espagnol Piano Concerto No. 3

BACH’S ST. JOHN PASSION

Saturday, April 11, 2015

Rosa Lamoreaux, soprano Magdalena Wór, mezzo-soprano Rufus Müller, tenor (Evangelist) Matthew Smith, tenor Andrew McLaughlin, baritone (Jesus) Christòpheren Nomura, baritone National Philharmonic Chorale Victoria Gau, conductor Bach’s St. John Passion remains one of the most deeply affecting and riveting masterworks in this genre. It is a rich, highly dramatic portrayal of the Biblical passion story using soloists, chorus and a colorful baroque orchestra, featuring rarely heard archaic instruments including the lute and viola da gamba. The radiant purity of sound in this emotionally expressive work shines in poignant arias, powerful choruses and gentle, reflective chorales.

Bach

St. John Passion

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Complimentary parking!

MOZART’S JUPITER SYMPHONY Saturday, May 2, 2015 Sunday, May 3, 2015

Christopher Taylor, pianist Piotr Gajewski, conductor The overture to The Marriage of Figaro instantly sets an emotional tone with its distinctive whirlwind humor. Christopher Taylor plays Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 21, which acquired its nickname because the theme of the second movement was featured in the 1967 Swedish movie Elvira Madigan. The concert concludes with Mozart’s last symphony, the powerful No. 41 (“Jupiter”), an optimistic, triumphant and deservedly popular work. No one knows who gave the symphony the name “Jupiter,” but the music reflects its title with its lofty ideas and nobility of treatment.

Mozart

Overture to The Marriage of Figaro Piano Concerto No. 21 (“Elvira Madigan”) Symphony No. 41 (“Jupiter”)

FAURÉ’S REQUIEM

Saturday, May 30, 2015

Julie Keim, soprano Andrew McLaughlin, baritone National Philharmonic Chorale Piotr Gajewski, conductor Brahms’ masterpiece, the Serenade No. 2, always an audience favorite, is one of the composer’s first orchestral works, written before he moved on to large symphonies and concertos. A subtle and poignant work, the popular Fauré Requiem features colorful melodic lines and rich French harmonies.

Brahms Fauré

Serenade No. 2 Requiem

Music. Works. Wonders.

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2014 - 2015 Calendar

Date

Time

Concert

Sat. 10/18

8 pm

Dvořák’s New World Symphony

Sun. 10/19

3 pm

Dvořák’s New World Symphony

Sat. 11/1

8 pm

Mozart’s Requiem

Sun. 11/2

3 pm

Mozart’s Requiem

Sat. 12/20

8 pm

Handel’s Messiah

Sun. 12/21

3 pm

Handel’s Messiah

Sat. 1/10

8 pm

Haydn’s Surprise Symphony

Sat. 1/24

8 pm

Bach’s Brandenburgs

Sun. 1/25

3 pm

Bach’s Brandenburgs

Strathmore 10th Anniversary Celebration Weekend!

Sat. 2/7

8 pm

Brian Ganz Plays Chopin

Sun. 2/8

3 pm

Beethoven’s Ninth

Sat. 3/28

8 pm

Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3

Sun. 3/29

3 pm

Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3

Sat. 4/11

8 pm

Bach’s St. John Passion

Sat. 5/2

8 pm

Mozart’s Jupiter Symphony

Sun. 5/3

3 pm

Mozart’s Jupiter Symphony

Sat. 5/30

8 pm

Fauré’s Requiem

Come Hear the Music Play!

The Music Center at Strathmore Call 301-581-5100 or visit nationalphilharmonic.org today to guarantee best seats!

6

6

6

ORCHESTRA TIER FRONT

ORCHESTRA FRONT

(rows AA&BB, Seating Area 3)

(rows A&B)

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Complimentary parking!

Flexible Custom Series Order Form

The National Philharmonic FLEXIBLE CUSTOM SERIES provides the convenience of choosing which concerts you want to attend and which seating area you desire.

NEW: Discounts are included in ticket prices. Simply follow the steps below.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please call the Strathmore Ticket Office at 301-581-5100. Saturday concerts start at 8 pm; Sundays at 3 pm.

Step 1. CHOOSE your seating area.

Seating Area 4 - 6 concerts 7 or more

1 $73 $69

2 $53 $49

3 $55 $51

4 $40 $35

5 $33 $28

6 $25 $20

Step 2. PICK your concerts and calculate your subtotal.

You must choose at least four different concerts (seating map located on page 12).

Concert Sat. 10/18 Sun. 10/19 Sat. 11/1 Sun. 11/2 Sat. 12/20 Sun. 12/21 Sat. 1/10 Sat. 1/24 Sun. 1/25

Dvořák’s New World Symphony Kids Free Dvořák’s New World Symphony Kids Free Mozart’s Requiem Kids Free Mozart’s Requiem Kids Free Handel’s Messiah Kids Free Handel’s Messiah Kids Free Haydn’s Surprise Symphony Kids Free Bach’s Brandenburgs Kids Free Bach’s Brandenburgs Kids Free

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

Price

$6

x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

$6

x

$6

x

$6

x

$6

x

$6

x

$6

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$6

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$6

x

$6 $6 $6 $6 $6 $6 $6 $6

# of tickets

Strathmore 10th Anniversary Celebration Weekend!

Sat. 2/7

Brian Ganz Plays Chopin

Sun. 2/8

Beethoven’s Ninth

Sat. 3/28

Rachmaninoff’s Concerto No. 3

$

Sun. 3/29

Rachmaninoff’s Concerto No. 3

$

Sat. 4/11

Bach’s St. John Passion

Sat. 5/2

Mozart’s Jupiter Symphony

Sun. 5/3

Mozart’s Jupiter Symphony

Sat. 5/30

Fauré’s Requiem

Kids Free Kids Free Kids Free Kids Free Kids Free Kids Free Kids Free Kids Free

$ $

$ $ $ $

x x x x x x x x

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

Subtotal

= $ = $ = $ = $ = $ = $ = $ = $ = $ = $ = $ = $ = $ = $ = $ = $

Custom Series Subtotal = $ No Processing Fee =

Tax-deductible contribution to the National Philharmonic: Member Levels† $1,000 $500 $250 $125 $75 Other $

FREE

GRAND TOTAL = $ (Please continue with Step 3 on reverse side to complete purchase.)

Music. Works. Wonders.

nationalphilharmonic.org / 13

Custom Series Order Form (cont.)

If you have a specific request for seating, please enter it here: (Please note, seating locations are not guaranteed. Preference is given to Members and returning subscribers.)

Step 3. PROVIDE your contact information.

Name: _________________________________________________________________ Title: Mr. ___ Mrs. ___ Miss ___ Ms. ___ Dr. ___ Other ________________________ (Please indicate one) Address: _______________________________________________________________ City: ______________________________________ State: _______ ZIP: ___________ E-mail: ___________________________________ Phone: _______________________

E-mails given are strictly confidential. The National Philharmonic does not sell or trade e-mail addresses.

Step 4. SELECT a method of payment.

Check (payable to the National Philharmonic) Visa

MasterCard

American Express

Discover

Credit Card Number: ____________________________________________________ Expiration Date: __________________________ CVV (Security Code): ___________ Signature: ______________________________________________________________ Step 5. SEND your order with a check or credit card information to: The National Philharmonic 5301 Tuckerman Lane North Bethesda, MD 20852-3385 Attn: Subscription Sales Fax credit card orders to: 301-493-9284.

Subscriptions can also be purchased online at nationalphilharmonic.org.

If you have any questions, please call the Strathmore Ticket Office at 301-581-5100.

Strathmore Ticket Office hours: Monday-Friday, 10 AM to 5 PM; Saturday, 10 AM to 2 PM (Please note, summer hours vary.)

Seat Location: Please note, exact seating locations are not guaranteed.

Preference is given to Members and returning subscribers.

†Become a MEMBER today! Include a tax-deductible gift of $125 or more with your subscription order and you will receive Member benefits. For more information, visit nationalphilharmonic.org under Support.

KIDS FREE: KIDS FREE tickets cannot be purchased online; they must be ordered by mail, phone or in person at the Strathmore Ticket Office.

There is a transaction fee of $6 per KIDS FREE ticket purchased through subscriptions.

KIDS FREE tickets must be used by audience members age 7-17.

Tickets will be mailed no later than mid-August.

Dates, times, programs, prices and artists are subject to change without notice.

Parking at Strathmore is COMPLIMENTARY for all ticket buyers.

14 / Call 301-581-5100 today to guarantee best seats!

Complimentary parking!

THE NATIONAL PHILHARMONIC THANKS ITS SPONSORS

CREDITS AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Lauren Aycock Anderson: Brochure design; Josh Cogan: photographs of the National Philharmonic (front cover, pgs. 2 & 9); Pete Checchia: photograph of violinist Justine Lamb-Budge (pg. 7); B. Ealovega: photograph of pianist Haochen Zhang (pg. 10); Youngho Kang: photograph of violinist Chee-Yun (pg. 4); Donald Lassell: photograph of National Philharmonic Chorale (pgs. 6, 9 & 11); Jay Mallin: photograph of pianist Brian Ganz (pg. 9); Christopher Moscatiello: photograph of National Philharmonic Associate Conductor Victoria Gau (pg. 3); David Rodgers: photograph of soprano Rosa Lamoreaux (pg. 10); Diane Sierra: photograph of cellist Zuill Bailey (pg. 7); Ron Solomon: photograph of the Music Center at Strathmore (pg. 9); Katrin Talbot: photograph of pianist Christopher Taylor (pg. 11); Michael Ventura: photograph of National Philharmonic Associate Conductor Victoria Gau (pg. 10).

Music. Works. Wonders.

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VISIT NATIONALPHILHARMONIC.ORG FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Sponsored by:

Young people age 7 - 17 can attend ALL National Philharmonic concerts free of charge, making it easy for families to go to concerts together and for young adults to attend a live classical music performance with friends! All seats are reserved, so include the number of KIDS FREE tickets needed when filling out your subscription order form. Throughout the year, KIDS FREE tickets may be obtained at the Strathmore Ticket Office or by phone at 301-581-5100.

(Please note: KIDS FREE tickets cannot be ordered online.)

ALL Kids, All Free, All the Time

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Visit nationalphilharmonic.org or call 301-581-5100.

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