Konstantia Gourzi: Ypsilon, A Poem for Trumpet and Orchestra in five scenes
Christopher Rouse: Symphony No. 6

Discover the haunting beauty of Christopher Rouse’s final symphony and the evocative sounds of Greek composer Konstantia Gourzi’s trumpet poem in this unique and moving concert!

Raiskin Conducts Rouse is an evening dedicated to powerful and evocative orchestral music. The concert opens with Greek composer Konstantia Gourzi’s Ypsilon, a poetic piece for trumpet and orchestra. Inspired by the Greek letter Y, which symbolizes looking upward and reaching for higher ideals, this Canadian premiere features the remarkable trumpeter Simon Höfele. Höfele, with his outstanding international reputation, brings depth and emotion to this introspective work.

The concert’s centerpiece is Christopher Rouse’s Symphony No. 6, a profound and personal composition created during the final months of his life. Rouse, a distinguished American composer, imbues this symphony with intense emotion and intricate orchestration. Confronting his mortality amidst a battle with cancer, it’s a poignant farewell from a composer who left an indelible mark on contemporary classical music. The Sixth Symphony is celebrated for its sincerity and powerful expression, making it one of Rouse’s finest works.

Fun Fact: Christopher Rouse’s Sixth Symphony is not only his final work but also considered one of the finest American symphonies, reflecting a poignant farewell from the composer.

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