FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 18, 2019 (February 6, 2020 update)
Violinist Pinchas Zuckerman and Cellist Amanda Forsyth Join the Madison Symphony Orchestra for “Romantic Encounter” The Brahms Double Concerto
Concerts Friday, Saturday and Sunday, February 14, 15 and 16
Madison, Wis. – “Romantic Encounter” presents Berlioz’s Le Corsaire Overture, as well as the thundering gravitas of Copland’s Symphony No. 3. Husband and wife duo Pinchas Zukerman, violin, and Amanda Forsyth, cello, make their return to Madison to reprise their performance of Brahms’ Double Concerto for Violin and Cello in A minor.
Performances will be held on Friday, February 14th at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, February 15th at 8:00 p.m., and Sunday, February 16th at 2:30 p.m. in Overture Hall, at 201 State Street.
Maestro John DeMain shares his insights on the world-renowned duo: “Husband and wife team Pinchas Zukerman and Amanda Forsyth return to recreate their exciting interpretation of the Brahms Double Concerto for violin, cello and orchestra. One of Berlioz’s finest overtures, the exhilarating Le Corsair opens the concert, and Aaron Copland’s majestic, powerful and lyrical third Symphony, one of Copland’s great masterpieces that includes his Fanfare for the Common Man occupies the 2nd half of this varied and incredible program of great music.”
A mere eight minutes long, Berlioz’s swashbuckling Le Corsaire was composed in Nice after the final break-up of his marriage. The composer resided in a tower above the sea, which explains the ruined fortification’s depiction in his overture. Corsaire translates to “a ship used for piracy,” but this meaning is not related to the work.
The Double Concerto was Brahms’ final work for orchestra. He composed the concerto for his old but estranged friend, violinist Joseph Joachim, as well as cellist Robert Hausmann. With few recent precedents, the closest comparison to this work would be the Baroque concerto grosso, in which a soloist or small group is contrasted with an entire ensemble.
Copland’s monumental Symphony No.3 was commissioned by conductor Serge Koussevitsky and the Boston Symphony Orchestra. The work perfectly reflects the spirit of post-war America and impressively holds the title of “Greatest American Symphony.” In writing this piece, Copland borrowed from himself by incorporating his triumphant Fanfare for the Common Man.
About Pinchas Zukerman
With a celebrated career encompassing five decades, Pinchas Zukerman reigns as one of today’s most sought-after and versatile musicians — violin and viola soloist, conductor, and chamber musician. He is renowned as a virtuoso, admired for the expressive lyricism of his playing, singular beauty of tone, and impeccable musicianship, which can be heard throughout his discography of over 100 albums.
Born in Tel Aviv, Zukerman came to the United States where he studied at the Juilliard School with Ivan Galamian as a recipient of the American-Israel Cultural Foundation scholarship. An alumnus of the Young Concert Artists program, Mr. Zukerman has also received honorary doctorates from Brown University, Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, and the University of Calgary. He received the National Medal of Arts from President Ronald Reagan and is a recipient of the Isaac Stern Award for Artistic Excellence in Classical Music.
About Amanda Forsyth
Canadian Juno Award-winning Amanda Forsyth is considered one of North America’s most dynamic cellists. She has achieved her international reputation as soloist, chamber musician and was principal cello of Canada’s National Arts Centre Orchestra from 1999 to 2015. Her intense richness of tone, remarkable technique and exceptional musicality combine to enthrall audiences and critics alike.
She has performed on tours with the Royal Philharmonic and Israel Philharmonic Orchestras, and has appeared with such orchestras as Orchestre Radio de France, Lisbon’s Gulbenkian Orchestra, the English Chamber Orchestra and the Maggio Musicale Orchestra. In the U.S. she has performed with the San Diego, Colorado, Oregon and Grand Rapids Symphonies and appeared with the Dallas Symphony in both Texas and on tour.
Concert, Ticket and Event Details
The lobby opens 90 minutes prior to each concert. The Symphony recommends concert attendees arrive early for each performance to make sure they have time to pass through Overture Center’s security stations, and so they can experience the Prelude Discussion that takes place one hour before each concert led by Anders Yocom. You can view program notes for this concert online at http://bit.ly/feb2020programnotes
- Single Tickets are $19-$95 each and are on sale now at: https://madisonsymphony.org/event/romantic-encounter/ through the Overture Center Box Office at 201 State Street, or by calling the Box Office at (608) 258-4141. Fees apply to online/phone sales.
- Groups of 10 or more can save 25% by calling the MSO office at (608) 257-3734. For more information, visit, https://madisonsymphony.org/concerts-events/buy-tickets/group-discounts/.
- Student rush tickets can be purchased in person on the day of the concert at the Overture Center Box Office at 201 State Street. Students must show a valid student ID and can receive up to two $15 or $20 tickets. More information is at: https://madisonsymphony.org/concerts-events/buy-tickets/student-rush/
- Seniors age 62 and up receive 20% savings on advance and day-of-concert ticket purchases in select areas of the hall.
Discounted seats are subject to availability, and discounts may not be combined.
ABOUT THE MADISON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
The Madison Symphony Orchestra celebrates its 94th season in 2019–2020. The MSO has grown to be one of America’s leading regional orchestras, providing Madison and south-central Wisconsin with cultural and educational opportunities to interact with great masterworks and top-tier guest artists from around the world. Learn more at madisonsymphony.org
Major funding for the February concert provided by NBC 15, The Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor’s Club, Marvin J. Levy, Fred and Mary Mohs, Nancy Mohs, and David and Kato Perlman. Additional funding provided by Robert Benjamin and John Fields, Boardman & Clark LLP, Forte, Barbara Melchert and Gale Meyer, and the Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Link to photos of John DeMain and the Madison Symphony Orchestra: http://bit.ly/mso19-20orchestraphotos
Link to MSO 19-20 concert and artist photos: http://bit.ly/mso19-20symphonyphotos
Link to 19-20 Madison Symphony season website pages: https://madisonsymphony.org/19-20
Link to February “Romantic Encounter” concert: https://madisonsymphony.org/event/romantic-encounter/
Programs, dates, and artists are subject to change.
CONTACT:
Peter Rodgers, Director of Marketing
Phone: (608) 260-8680 x226
Mobile: (415) 713-0235
Email: prodgers@madisonsymphony.org
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