Hanna Havrylets: Chorale for strings
Haralabos [Harry] Stafylakis: Violin Concerto — World Premiere
Antonin Dvořák: Symphonic Variations

Experience the world premiere of Harry Stafylakis’s genre-defying Violin Concerto, alongside Antonín Dvorák’s rarely performed symphonic gem!

Experience a world of musical contrasts with Dvorák & Stafylakis, a concert that bridges the past and present with powerful compositions. The evening begins with Hanna Havrylets’s Chorale for Strings, a poignant tribute to the late Ukrainian composer. Havrylets, who passed away shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, composed this piece to transmit both lament and hope through its beautiful melodies and rich harmonies.

Next, prepare for the world premiere of Harry Stafylakis’s Violin Concerto, performed by the electrifying and renowned violinist Rachel Barton Pine. Known for her love of heavy metal and classical music, Pine brings a unique intensity to this groundbreaking piece. Stafylakis, the WSO’s Composer in Residence, draws from his background in progressive metal to create a concerto that defies classical music conventions and resonates with contemporary audiences.

The concert concludes with Dvorák’s Symphonic Variations, a masterpiece of melodic invention and orchestral color. This piece showcases Dvorák’s ability to transform a simple theme into a series of intricate and beautiful variations while demonstrating the versatility and skill of the WSO.

Fun Fact: Rachel Barton Pine is not only a classical virtuoso but also a passionate metalhead, often blending her performances with the intensity of heavy metal music.

Musicians in the Making

Pre-Concert Performance

Selections will be announced during the performance.

Westgate Mennonite Collegiate Senior String Orchestra

Experience Thursday Classics