Pasadena Symphony Presents Seductive Scheherazade on Valentine’s Weekend

The Pasadena Symphony will present Seductive Scheherazade on Valentine's weekend, Saturday February 18th at 2 and 8 pm at Ambassador Auditorium. Conductor Rossen Milanov leads the Pasadena Symphony in a concert of music and adventure through the tale of Rimsky-Korsakov's Scheherazade, Saint Saëns' Egyptian Piano Concerto with Colburn School's Esther Keel, and Borodin's Polovtsian Dances.

"This work is unlike any other piano concerto," explains Keel. "It exudes exoticism, Middle Eastern flavors, and Egyptian melodies. The dazzling colors and virtuosity that blend the piano and orchestra create a magical experience." Keel makes her debut with the Pasadena Symphony with Saint Saëns' "Egyptian" Piano Concerto, a work perfectly matched with exotic melodies to compliment the Technicolor tour de force of Rimsky-Korsakov.

About the show: "Scheherazade, Rimsky-Korsakov's mesmerizing symphonic poem, portrays a young bride's bedtime stories for her husband the Sultan, who has developed a penchant for marrying a women and killing them the next morning. Based on the legend of the Arabian Nights, Scheherazade spins tender melodies and a seductive sonic tale perfect for your valentine."

At age thirteen, Keel debuted with Esa-Pekka Salonen and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and has since performed with orchestras from coast to coast. 

The 2011-12 classics series marks the Pasadena Symphony's second season as the resident professional orchestra of the historic Ambassador Auditorium. Tickets to the Seductive Scheherazade on Saturday, February 18 at 2:00pm and 8:00pm begin at $35 and may be purchased at www.PasadenaSymphony-Pops.org, or 626.793.7172 or onsite day of concert.