CONCERT PROGRAM

Aram Khachaturian: Violin Concerto
Leonard Bernstein: Symphonic Dances, from West Side Story

Aram Khachaturian is a Soviet Armenian composer who grew up surrounded by the folk songs and dances that permeate his music. Though they are nostalgic, his works are filled with high-flying virtuosity, tune-filed orchestration and exotic colours.

Last performed by the WSO in 2013, Music Director Daniel Raiskin shares that you will enjoy his fiery Violin Concerto’s “high-flying virtuosity, yearning melodic intensity, and exoticism” all of which are perfectly suited to violinist Alexandra Conunova’s playing. 

“I love the second movement! It feels almost like a folk song that speaks directly from the soul. There is such intimacy and depth in the writing and playing it always feels like telling a very personal story,” says Alexandra.

Symphonic Dances from West Side Story by Leonard Bernstein is a virtuosic orchestral work fusing the iconic musical’s songs, dances and show tunes into a “serious” concert work of considerable difficulty.

Violinist, Alexandra Conunova has been hailed for her virtuosity, warm tone, impressive range of colour, and flawless technique.

“…her playing is this fabulous: the warm-toned, easy fluidity of her virtuosities; her range of articulation, colour and shading; the subtle spontaneity; the natural shaping.” — Gramophone 

”…it’s her impressive range of color that is the most striking characteristic of her playing as a whole” – The Strad

Musicians in the Making

Pre-Concert Performance

Selections will be announced during the performance.

Westgate Mennonite Collegiate Senior String Orchestra

Experience Thursday Classics