Pictures at an Exhibition

Julian Rhee, violin

Geoffrey Robson, conductor

PROGRAM

Tania Leon - Pasajes

Benjamin Britten- Violin Concerto No. 1

Modest Mussorgsky (arr. Ravel) - Pictures at an Exhibition

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Pasajes / Tania Leon
b. Havana, Cuba / May 14, 1943-

First commissioned and premiered by your Arkansas Symphony Orchestra in 2022, Tania Leon’s “Pasajes” recalls scenes from her early life in Cuba and her upbringing using Latin American melodies, dances from carnival, and rhythms pulsing with Caribbean culture. 

Violin Concerto No. 1 / Benjamin Britten
b. Lowestoft, United Kingdom / November 22, 1913 - December 4, 1976

Written amidst the threat of World War II alongside blossoming romance for the young composer, Benjamin Britten’s first Violin Concerto is an emotionally complex and beautifully written piece full of unusual exchanges between soloist and orchestra that is sure to have the audience spellbound. 

Pictures at an Exhibition / Modest Mussorgsky (arr. Ravel)
b. Karevo, Russia / March 21, 1839 - March 28, 1881

This beloved orchestral showpiece transforms imagery into sound. Inspired by an exhibition of paintings by the composer’s friend Viktor Hartmann, the work unfolds as a musical promenade, moving from image to image through vivid contrasts of mood and color. It will be an experience not to be missed, especially for lovers of visual art!