Portland Symphony Orchestra Presents “From Russia With Love”

PORTLAND, Maine – The Portland Symphony Orchestra (PSO) and Music Director Robert Moody will present the first Tuesday Classical concert of 2011, “From Russia With Love,” January 25th at 7:30 PM. This performance will include works from two of Russia’s best-known 20th century composers, along with a world premiere by a renowned local composer who traces his roots to Russia.

The program opens with the world premiere of Diamond Jubilee by Maine resident and former music professor at Bowdoin College, Elliott Schwartz, commissioned by the PSO in honor of the composer’s 75th birthday. According to Schwartz, “it seemed appropriate to compose the work as a ‘memoir,’ and to give it a title celebrating the number 75. It’s not exactly an ‘autobiography,’ more like a retrospective look backwards at 75 years of human history in which my own life story mingles with the larger panorama.”

This world premiere will be followed by what is arguably Prokofiev’s most popular piano concerto, Piano Concerto No. 3, featuring guest pianist Andrew von Oeyen. The concert concludes with Shostakovich’s intensely heart-wrenching Symphony No. 5.

Guest pianist Andrew von Oeyen has already established himself as one of the most captivating pianists of his generation. Since his debut at age 16 with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Esa-Pekka Salonen, von Oeyen has performed to critical acclaim in recital and orchestral appearances around the world. Le Monde de la Musique declared, “Exceptionally mature for his age, Andrew von Oeyen has a technique remarkable in its fluidity, a precise and balanced way of playing, but most of all a disarming elegance and charisma that allows him to communicate with the greatest of ease.”

RELATED ACTIVITIES:

Lecture: Birth of a New Composition with composer Elliott Schwartz and PSO violinist Deirdre Oehrtman
Friday, January 7 at 10:00 AM at the Portland Conservatory of Music
$5 suggested donation. Please call (207) 775-3356 for reservations.

Open Dress Rehearsal
Monday, January 24 at 7:00 PM at Merrill Auditorium
Free for students but space is limited. Please call (207) 773-6128 for reservations.

Concert Conversation
With Robert Moody and Elliott Schwartz
Tuesday, January 25 at 6:15 PM in the Rehearsal Hall
Free to ticket holders.

PostConcert Q&A with the artists on stage immediately following the concert.

Afterglow Mingle with the artists and PSO musicians at Restaurant Grace.

Broadcast This concert will be broadcast statewide by MPBN on Wednesday, February 9.

Tickets range from $20-$70 and are available through PortTIX at (207) 842-0800 or www.porttix.com. Phone and internet orders are subject to per-ticket handling fees. Tickets may also be purchased in person at the box office at 20 Myrtle St., Monday through Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. Special pricing for students, seniors, and groups may be available. Subscriptions (up to 20% off single ticket prices) and Compose Your Own packages (up to 10% off single ticket prices) are available all season long.