The Bozeman Symphony’s third classical concert performance of the 2023-24 season, “Norman Conducts Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3,” late this month. Performances will be held on Saturday, February 24th, at 7:30pm and Sunday, February 25th, at 2:30pm. Both will be held at the Willson Auditorium in Downtown Bozeman with pre-concert talks scheduled to begin one hour prior.
The programs features Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3 “Eroica,” considered to be one of the groundbreaking musical events of the 19th century, and guest pianist Rodolfo Leone performing Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G major.
Classical music fans are invited to watch Music Director Norman Huynh’s interpretation of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3 in E flat major “Eroica.” Conveying both turmoil and triumph, this piece is known as a crucial turning point for both Beethoven and symphonic composition, which was pivotal in the transition from the Classical period to the Romantic Period. The one-two punch of Eroica’s opening chords is followed by the solemn, majestic Marcia funebre (funeral march). The buoyant Scherzo departs from the intensity of the previous two movements, and the final movement uses music from Beethoven’s own Overture to the ballet, The Creatures of Prometheus.
Renowned pianist Rodolfo Leone returns to Bozeman to perform Maurice Ravel’s “lighthearted and brilliant” Piano Concerto in G major. Described as a true sound philosopher, the Italian-born pianist is a top prize winner of several major piano competitions. He made his orchestral debut in 2013 and has performed extensively with numerous orchestras throughout Europe, North America and China. Leone is currently based in Los Angeles where he earned both a Master of Music degree and an Artist Diploma at the Colburn Conservatory of Music.
Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G major begins with Allegramente, opening with a slapstick snap, a jaunty piccolo and a bright, bouncy trumpet. Although present in the background from the opening bars, the piano makes its first solo declaration with a languid, bluesy melody. Throughout the first movement, rapid-fire bursts of energy are alternated with rhapsodic, jazz-influenced episodes. The serenity of the Adagio assai belies the tremendous effort it requires from the pianist. A snappy snare drum roll announces the Presto, a return to the jazzy energy of the Allegramente.
Performances will be held on Feb. 24th at 7:30pm and Feb. 25th at 2:30pm, at the Willson Auditorium in Downtown Bozeman. Individual tickets are available for purchase online at www.bozemansymphony.org or by phone at (406) 585-9774. Tickets at the door based on availability. Adult tickets begin at $29 with student-discounted tickets available.
Performances would not be possible without the support of sponsors Cal and Tricia DeSouza, Kimberlie and Bruce Jodar, Barbara and Ben Phinney, Ken and Mary May, and Sharon Eversman. •
