Roman Festivals

Expect the Unexpected. It’s more than a slogan. It’s the artistic vision of our Maestro and the incredible talent of our musicians. And it’s the genius of the composers we present this evening, Sohn, Beethoven, and Respighi.

We begin with a world première from composer Nicky Sohn, the second instance of a co-commissioning project made possible through the partnership “Embracing 21st Century Voices” between the ASO and Gabriela Lena Frank Creative Academy of Music. Read more about Ms. Sohn’s career and professional performances on our website.

Ludwig van Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4 in G major was his last appearance as a soloist with an orchestra. It’s been called the most admirable, singular, artistic and complex Beethoven concerto ever, and is a favorite of concert audiences. Cincinnati native Awadagin Pratt will accompany the ASO as the solo pianist.

Among his generation of concert artists, pianist Awadagin Pratt is acclaimed for his musical insight and intensely involving performances in recital and with symphony orchestras. Mr. Pratt is a conductor and strong advocate for music education and has been a frequent visitor as a performer to the White House, most notably during the Clinton and Obama administrations.

Composer Ottorino Respighi debuted his Feste Romane in 1928. Each movement depicts a scene of celebration in ancient and contemporary Rome, specifically: gladiators battling to the death, the Christian Jubilee, a harvest and hunt festival, and a festival in the Piazza Navona.