The Way of Passion

Yaniv Dinur, conductor
Sergei Babayan, piano

Sergei Prokofiev: Piano Concerto No. 2
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 6 “Pathétique”

Prokofiev’s second piano concerto has been described as “filled with wild passions” and Tchaikovsky gave his sixth symphony the name “Pathétique,” which from the original Russian is better translated as “passion, deep emotion.” In both these works, the composers plumb the depths of all that music can make us feel. Be prepared! The legendary Armenian-American pianist Sergei Babayan, known for his spontaneity and surprises at the keyboard, joins us for the first time.

Pre-Concert Fun Starts at 6:30 PM!

Express Your Inner Tchaikovsky
NBSO Education Director Terry Wolkowicz will have her keyboard with her and will be giving mini-lessons to teach you how to play the famous melody from the second movement of Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6. NO PRIOR MUSICAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED! Terry guarantees she can teach anyone to play this beautiful five-beat melody. Be sure to capture it on video so you can impress your friends! From 6:30 to 7:25 in the auditorium lobby.

The Passion and the Beauty
NBSO Violinist Travis Rapoza will be strolling around and about playing the gorgeous melodies from Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6. There’s a good chance you will recognize every one of them. We guarantee you will love every one of them! Enjoy refreshments from the concessions stand, chat with friends, and be serenaded by Travis. From 6:30 to 7:25pm around and about the auditorium, lobby, and wherever else Travis wants to stroll.

Youth Orchestra Quartet Honoring Toby Monte
The NBSO’s youth orchestra program will have a quartet playing before the concert to honor Youth Orchestra Senior Conductor Tobias S. Monte who is retiring this year after 14 years at the helm. We all know Toby from the annual side-by-side performance at the NBSO’s Holiday Pops concerts. The NBSO will also be honoring Toby during the intermission of the concert.

FREE OPEN REHEARSAL
Friday, May 17,  4:00 – 6:30 PM

Seating is general admission, and no tickets or RSVP are required. Please note that this is a working rehearsal, and pieces may not be played in their entirety. A 20-minute break usually occurs between 5 and 5:30. Come and go as you please! Please save your applause for the end of pieces and/or rehearsal as to not interfere with the rehearsal process.

Rehearsal content: 
Prokofiev: Piano Concerto No. 2 (without soloist)
Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 6 “Pathétique”