Yannick Nézet-Séguin Conductor
Lara Downes Piano
Leah Hawkins Soprano
Rihab Chaieb Mezzo-Soprano
Issachah Savage Tenor
Ryan McKinny Bass-Baritone
Price Piano Concerto in One Movement
Beethoven Symphony No. 9 (“Choral”)
Experience grandeur as The Philadelphia Orchestra makes a triumphant return to the historic Academy of Music—where the Philadelphia Sound was uniquely created and refined for a century—for Beethoven’s epic Ninth Symphony. Immerse yourself in the very essence of the Philadelphia Sound, a unique and lush musical signature that first echoed through the hallowed halls of the Academy, shaping the Orchestra’s legendary reputation. Join us for an evening of unparalleled artistry, where timeless melodies meet the timeless elegance of this cherished cultural landmark.
Beloved by audiences for centuries, Beethoven’s mighty Ninth Symphony brings more power and more transcendent beauty than it seems possible for the heart to hold, leaving the listener exalted and uplifted. Yannick conducts soaring performances that feature some of today’s most powerful voices. The Symphony’s indelible choral component, based on German poet Friedrich Schiller’s “Ode to Joy”, offers an intricately woven tapestry of sound and a supremely powerful finale—a call for freedom, equality, and unity.
To begin, Yannick continues the Orchestra’s exploration of the works of the great American composer Florence Price, in this case her Piano Concerto in One Movement. Price performed the premiere in 1934, but like many of this long-neglected composer’s works, the score was lost, only to be rediscovered and reconstructed decades later. Brightly melodic, this Concerto has all the markings of Price’s best work—and leaves you wanting more.