CONCERT PROGRAM

Frédéric Chopin: Piano Concerto No. 2
Anton Bruckner: Adagio from String Quintet in F major
Jean Sibelius: Symphony No. 7

Witness the enchanting piano mastery of Charles Richard-Hamelin in Frédéric Chopin’s romantic concerto, paired with Jean Sibelius’s epic yet concise Seventh Symphony!

Join us for a spellbinding evening with Richard-Hamelin Plays Chopin, where the magic of Romantic music comes to life. Charles Richard-Hamelin, renowned for his remarkable artistry and emotional depth, takes center stage to perform Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 2 in F minor. Chopin, a master of romantic piano music, composed this concerto at the tender age of 19. It’s celebrated for its lyrical beauty, particularly the slow movement, which has a timeless appeal that resonates deeply with listeners. Richard-Hamelin, a laureate of the International Chopin Piano Competition, brings his exceptional talent and passion to this piece, promising an unforgettable performance.

Following Chopin’s emotive concerto, we shift to the majestic landscapes of Finland with Jean Sibelius’s Symphony No. 7. This symphony, Sibelius’s final one, is an extraordinary work in the classical repertoire. It condenses the essence of a traditional four-movement symphony into a single, seamless movement. The Seventh Symphony is filled with profound themes of nature, freedom, and human dignity. Its fluid and cohesive narrative showcases Sibelius’s genius in musical storytelling, making it one of his most revered works.

The concert also highlights the serene Adagio from Anton Bruckner’s String Quintet in F major. Known for his grand symphonies, Bruckner’s chamber music reveals a more intimate side, where lush harmonies and serene melodies invite you to pause and reflect. This piece showcases Bruckner’s ability to evoke profound emotion in a more personal, introspective setting.

Fun Fact: Did you know that Sibelius’s Symphony No. 7 was his final symphony and is unique for its single-movement structure, which was groundbreaking for its time?