Wagner and Jalbert Compositions Span Human Emotions of Love and Grief
Featuring Classical Pianist Joyce Yang
The Reno Phil ushers in 2018 anchored by Beethoven, Jan. 14 and 16 at the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts. Highlighting the repertoire is Beethoven’s Emperor Overture, Piano Concerto No. 5 in E Flat Major, op. 73. It is a grand and bold work believed to have been dedicated to Napoleon and is joined by classical pianist Joyce Yang as guest artist.
Yang was awarded the silver medal at the 2005 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition at the age of 19. She went on to study at Julliard and is now a sought-after piano soloist, performing concerts with some of the world’s most well-respected orchestras.
Beethoven’s Emperor Overture, Piano Concerto No. 5 in E Flat Major, op. 73, premiered in 1812 and is the last, largest, and perhaps most well-known of his five concertos. Its three movements progress from striking, to serene, to glorious. In addition to the piano solo, the orchestration features flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horns, trumpets, timpani, and strings.
“This concert features three emotional compositions that, together, will sweep audiences along a musical journey of heroism and love, the heartbeat of life and passionate exuberance,” Laura Jackson, music director and conductor, said.
Wagner’s Overture to Tannhäuser, WWV 70 is the opera’s most famous section, known for the range of themes it covers in just 15 minutes. Wagner himself conducted the premiere of Tannhäuser at Dresden’s Royal Saxon Court Theater in 1845.
The concert’s third selection, Jalbert’s In Aeternam, is a contemporary piece written in 2000 as a memorial to his niece who died at birth. Jalbert says, “My aim was to capture a range of emotions, from sorrow and grief to shock and despair. But it is also about life.” Listen for a heartbeat throughout the piece.
Tickets are $29-$89 with discounts available for seniors age 60+. Classix Series season subscriptions and individual concert tickets are available for online purchase or by calling 775-323-6393.
Performances are Sunday, Jan. 14 at 4 p.m. and Tuesday, Jan. 16 at 7:30 p.m. at the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts. Inside the Music with Laura Jackson, an informative discussion of the program, takes place Jan. 14 at 3 p.m. and Jan. 16 at 7 p.m.
About the Reno Phil
The Reno Phil is northern Nevada’s largest performing arts organization. Beginning its 49th season, the orchestra, led by music director Laura Jackson, is comprised of more than 80 professional musicians who perform more than 30 concerts annually throughout the Reno-Tahoe region. Musicians of the professional orchestra, youth orchestras, various ensembles and education programs offer more than 60 performances each year, playing to more than 50,000 people. The flagship of the Reno Phil is its concert series offering six classic music series, Classix, performed on Sunday afternoons and Tuesday evenings at the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts. To learn more about the Reno Philharmonic and its events, and to discover all that the Reno Phil offers, visit RenoPhil.com.
