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Pasadena Symphony Performs Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff at the Ambassador Auditorium
Arcadia Weekly Oct 23, 2012
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Rachmaninoff International Award winning pianist Rueibin Chen joins conductor Edwin Outwater and the Pasadena Symphony in concert at both 2 and 8 pm on Saturday, November 3 at the acoustically acclaimed Ambassador Auditorium. Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4 and Rachmaninoff’s Paganini Variations for Piano and Orchestra are the featured masterworks on the program.
Tchaikovsky’s breakthrough Fourth Symphony is a bounding creative leap in scale, intensity and ambition combining theatrical flair with emotional contrasts that reach epic proportions. Chen will perform his talisman, Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini – brilliant with delicious wit and one of the world’s most irresistible melodies popularized by the movie “Somewhere in Time.” In this concert, conductor Edwin Outwater and the Pasadena Symphony will deliver music so personal, it becomes universal.
Chen, who recently performed as part of the opening ceremony of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra’s “Play Me I’m Yours” project, is a favorite among Chinese and American audiences. He has earned countless accolades and awards for his appearances in concert halls and international piano competitions, including competitions in Tel Aviv (Rubinstein), in Warsaw (Chopin) ,Salt Lake City (Bachauer), Athens (Callas), Vienna, Manresa, and Italy (Rome, Rachmaninov, Bellini, and Stresa).
Rachmaninoff’s virtuosic Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini was one of the composer’s later works, written in 1934. Based on a famous violin theme by Niccoló Paganini, Rachmaninoff’s work takes the artist on a grand adventure reveling in inventiveness and sheer speed. With its technical mastery and captivating melodies, Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini became an instant hit with audiences.
Tickets to see Rueibin Chen and Edwin Outwater in concert with the Pasadena Symphony on Saturday, November 3 at Ambassador Auditorium are on sale now. For tickets or more information, contact the Pasadena Symphony box office online at PasadenaSymphony-Pops.org or call 626.793.7172.
What: Tchaikovsky’s Fourth with the Pasadena Symphony, Who: Rueibin Chen, piano | Edwin Outwater, conductor, When: Saturday, November 3 at 2:00pm and 8:00pm, Where: Ambassador Auditorium; 131 St. John Ave, Pasadena, CA 91123, Cost: Tickets start at $35.00, Parking: Valet on Green Street, $10 general parking available adjacent to the theater in Maranatha parking lots.
Full Program: Li Huanzhi: Spring Festival Overture | Rachmaninoff: Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini | Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 4
Pre-Concert Conversation: Pasadena Symphony Association’s CEO Paul Jan Zdunek visits with Guest Conductor Edwin Outwater about the program, his musical journey and much more an hour before each concert (1 pm and again at 7 pm on stage at Ambassador Auditorium)
