Stéphane Denève, Conductor
James Ehnes, Violin
Ravel Pavane pour une infante défunte
Williams Violin Concerto
Beethoven Symphony No. 7
Principal Guest Conductor Stéphane Denève leads his second subscription series of the season with a terrific program of life-affirming music and a continuation of a tribute to John Williams. Ravel's Pavane for a Dead Princess turns to a stately dance form (the 'pavane,' popular during the Renaissance) as the basis for this shimmering Impressionist work evoking longing and nostalgia, filled with gorgeous melodies. John Williams's Violin Concerto, written in 1976 as a tribute to his late wife, is a standout vehicle for Canadian virtuoso James Ehnes, who'll ring all the pathos from this beautiful score. Denève closes with Beethoven's Symphony No. 7. It was immediately popular at the premiere, led by the composer himself; some two centuries later, this Beethoven masterpiece is still nothing short of heavenly.