Open Rehearsal: Shostakovich Piano Concerto No. 2 with Nobu
Xian Zhang – conductorArtists
Nobuyuki Tsujii – piano
Programme
Ngwenyama Primal Message
Shostakovich Piano Concerto No. 2
— Interval —
Prokofiev Romeo & Juliet (excerpts)
Extraordinary pianist Nobuyuki Tsujii, an audience favourite known to his many fans as Nobu, makes an eagerly-anticipated return to the Philharmonia.
Nobu, who has been blind from birth and relies on intense, incredibly detailed listening to work with an orchestra, performs Shostakovich’s upbeat Piano Concerto No. 2. Written as a graduation piece for the composer’s son Maxim, its outer movements show off the soloist’s playful energy and precision, while the central slow movement is a lyrical outpouring of love.
Tonight’s programme opens with American composer Nokuthula Ngwenyama’s tuneful, shimmering Primal Message, for strings, harp, celesta and percussion. The piece is her homage to the ‘Arecibo message’, binary code broadcast into interstellar space in 1974. Could music be the way to tell extraterrestrial life what it is to be human?
And to complete this hugely enjoyable evening, Xian Zhang has put together her own selection from Prokofiev’s ballet score Romeo and Juliet – listen out for the imposing tread of the ‘Dance of the Knights’.
All you need to know
Price
£7
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Running time
Approximately 2.5 hrs (subject to change)
Recommended age
From 7+
Programme notes
Digital programme notes available closer to the rehearsal.
Contact the Friends team
Phone: 020 7921 3906
Email: friends@philharmonia.co.uk
Concerto and Symphony Friends
Concerto and Symphony Friends members can claim their complimentary open rehearsal tickets by emailing friends@philharmonia.co.uk.
About
Open rehearsals are not performances. Playing may be paused at various intervals in order for the conductor, soloist and orchestra to agree on specific styles and dynamics.
Open rehearsals will take place in the auditorium where the concert is due to be performed, unless otherwise specified. Times and repertoire being rehearsed will be confirmed prior to the rehearsal date, as these schedules are subject to change.
Please note that open rehearsals are working processes for the conductor and the Orchestra, we cannot guarantee that pieces will be played in their entirety. Timings are subject to change and every endeavour will be made to let ticket holders know in advance about any such changes. Please check our website for up-to-date information.
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