MUSIC RETURNS TO SYMPHONY HALL (12/1/14)

  Before KISS, there was Franz Liszt, the ultimate ‘rock star’ composer.  Liszt was quite the womanizer and Liberace of his day, a flashy pianist who wrote the first symphonic poem, Les Préludes.  Thus begins a great season for a town that has truly missed the symphony.

  The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra will be featuring their own version of the handsome devil with the January debut of mega talented violinist Daniil Trifonov.  One of the hardest pieces ever composed, the Russian will amaze with his interpretation of Rachmaniov’s ‘Rhapsody on a Theme’ by Paganini.

  Well known Israeli Conductor Asher Fisch, a common name in music houses around the globe, will lead the ASO in selections by Liszt, Rachmaninov and Strauss.  Called a ‘Wagner Conductor’ by Fanfare Magazine (read: can interpret music like a mathematician would a formula), Atlanta has another reason to celebrate a New Year…of music.

  Musician Jessica Soudin said “…we are proud to have the chance to make a positive impact on the city.”

  “The symphony…whatever the lineup, is a wonderful experience,” said a couple of lovebirds, loitering in the expansive Woodruff Grand Hall.

      Mid-January expect the triumphant return of Marin Alsop.  The first female conductor of a major U.S. orchestra and one of the finest, Alsop will conduct an evening of greats, including Barber’s dramatic Second Essay and Tchaikovsky’s final symphony, ‘Pathétique’; called ‘…his greatest work’, which sadly opened a week before his death in 1893.

  The ASO is still on the muse for loyal fans.  The monies allow the musicians to form a cohesive group that can go anywhere, anytime, with any given repertoire.  

“I gave to the ASO last year,” said an anonymous donor, “…I’m so glad to know that the future of the symphony looks bright and the music continues to be complex and exciting.”

  More good looking gents take the rest of the musical month when Matthias Pintscher leads the Orchestra in Wagner’s Siegfried Idyll.

  Yes Atlanta, this is the month for Mozart and Beethoven as well.  In the wings is Pianist Inon Barnatan who won the ASO audience in the 2013 season.  This talented musician is back this season to play Mozart’s sweeping Piano Concerto No. 24.

  “Please support the ASO,” said an anonymous musician “…we represent the music of Atlanta.”

There are many shows in January, visit http://www.atlantasymphony.org for more information or visit the lobby of Woodruff Arts Center Symphony Hall.