Classical Arizona PBS proudly presents The Phoenix Symphony with a program that spans the centuries conducted by Francesco Lecce-Chong.
The concert opens with ANTROPOLIS, a 2019 composition by Mexican composer Gabriela Ortiz. She explained its name, “The word antro has its origin in the Latin ‘antrum,’ meaning ‘grotto’ or ‘cavern.’ In Mexico, until the ’90s, the term referred to bars or entertainment places of dubious reputation. But nowadays, and especially among younger people, this word refers to any bar or nightclub.” Ortiz said the invented word represents both the legendary dance halls and bars and the broader vibe of Mexico City.
Franz Joseph Haydn was one of the most well-known and widely respected musicians of his time. For nearly thirty years he worked for Prince Nikolaus I Esterházy and his wealthy, music-loving family. It was long believed that he composed his Cello Concerto #2 for Esterházy cellist Anton Kraft. (Kraft himself was even mistakenly believed to have composed it!) Scholars now think it was written for James Cervetto, a cellist in the Italian Opera in London. Rising young star cellist Sterling Elliott is the soloist with The Phoenix Symphony playing Haydn’s charming and cheerful piece. He made his solo debut at the age of 7 as a Concerto Competition winner, and has continued to earn awards and performing opportunities that are propelling his career as an outstanding musician to watch!
The orchestra also offers a beloved favorite of the Romantic era – Modest Mussorgsky’s PICTURES AT AN EXHIBITION, originally a piano solo that was later orchestrated by Maurice Ravel. The music emanated from a place of deep grief for Mussorgsky, whose friend Viktor Hartmann died suddenly at age 39. Inspired by a memorial exhibition held in tribute to Hartmann, who was an artist and architect, Mussorgsky crafted a 10-movement suite to musically depict ten of the artworks on display.
