George Rothman will lead Riverside Symphony in a performance of Arthur Honegger's masterful Symphony No. 2, a meditation on the horrors of World War II whose hopeful ending echoes the chorale finale of Bach's heart-stopping Cantata No. 51 featuring soprano sensation Nell Snaidas. Featured in the film classic "Black Rain," Takemitsu's exquisite modern Romantic opus, Death and Resurrection, reveals spiritual concerns similar to those of Honegger over the same cataclysmic event as experienced in the Pacific theater, while the brilliant early 18th century English composer Charles Avison - unsung to this day - is represented by one of 12 luminescent, unique creations fashioned around works for solo keyboard by Bach contemporary Domenico Scarlatti.
Prior to the concert, Riverside Symphony's visionary new program - Hear Hear! - a pre-concert, full-length performance of Takemitsu's work. This double exposure aims to deepen listeners' connection to today's most interesting composers and their music. The preview performances will be introduced by the Symphony's directors or visiting composers. Doors open for Hear Hear! at 7 PM on concert evenings and the program is free to all ticket holders.
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