October 10 & 11, 2008

Andris Nelsons, conductor
Sarah Chang, violin

Adams: The Chairman Dances
Theofanidis: Violin Concerto (premiere)
Rachmaninoff: Symphony No. 2

Superstar violinist Sarah Chang gives the world premiere of Theofanidis’ soaring Violin Concerto. Adams’ The Chairman Dances is from his acclaimed opera Nixon in China. Rachmaninoff’s lush Symphony No. 2 brings the concert to a stirring finale.

October 31, November 1 & 2, 2008

Marek Janowski, conductor
Jonathan Biss, piano

Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 22, K. 482
Strauss: Alpine Symphony

Piano sensation Jonathan Biss performs Mozart’s charming Piano Concerto in E-flat Major. Strauss’ Alpine Symphony depicts the experiences of the composer’s own hikes in the Bavarian Alps.

February 6, 7 & 8, 2009

Rafael Frühbeck de Burgos, conductor
Andrés Cárdenes, violin

Beethoven: Symphony No. 8
Lalo: Symphonie espagnole
Ravel: Bolero

Beethoven’s Symphony No. 8 is lively and joyful. PSO Concertmaster Andrés Cárdenes shines in Lalo’s Symphonie espagnole, a charming violin concerto full of Spanish flavor. Ravel’s mesmerizing Bolero brings you to your feet for a grand finale!

February 27 & 28, 2009

Manfred Honeck, conductor
Rudolf Buchbinder, piano

Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 1
Dvorák: Symphony No. 8

Viennese pianist Rudolf Buchbinder performs Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 1 – a dramatic and fiery yet romantic tour de force. Dvorák’s cheerful Symphony No. 8 draws its inspiration from Bohemian folk music.

March 5, 6 & 7, 2009

Charles Dutoit, conductor
Yuja Wang, piano

Debussy: Afternoon of a Faun
Debussy: La Mer
Prokofiev: Piano Concerto No. 2
Stravinsky: Dumbarton Oaks

Legendary conductor Charles Dutoit brings a program of French and Russian music, featuring Debussy’s colorful “The Sea” and peaceful Afternoon of a Faun. At the young age of 20, pianist Yuja Wang has become an international sensation. She performs Prokofiev’s virtuosic Piano Concerto No. 2 with its heart-pounding finale.

April 17, 18 & 19, 2009

Leonard Slatkin, conductor
Denis Matsuev, piano

Rachmaninoff: Vocalise
Rachmaninoff: Symphonic Dances
Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 3

Closing the Rachmaninoff Festival, Leonard Slatkin presents Rachmaninoff’s elegant Vocalise and his last composition, Symphonic Dances. Russian pianist Denis Matsuev performs Rachmaninoff’s magnificent Piano Concerto No. 3, made even more famous recently by the movie Shine.

June 4, 5 & 6, 2009

Manfred Honeck, conductor
Frank Peter Zimmerman, violin

Beethoven: Egmont Overture
Mozart: Symphony No. 38, “Prague”
Beethoven: Violin Concerto

Beethoven’s powerful and expressive overture is based on the heroic life story of the Count of Egmont. Mozart dedicated his Symphony No. 38 as a gesture of appreciation to the people of Prague. Violin virtuoso Frank Peter Zimmerman performs Beethoven’s poignant and emotionally stirring Violin Concerto.