Classical Series Concert #11

Related Organization: Kansas City Symphony

Performances:

Friday, April 11, 2025 8:00PM

Saturday, April 12, 2025 8:00PM

Sunday, April 13, 2025 2:00PM

Jane Glover, guest conductor
Ying Li, piano

BENJAMIN BRITTEN Suite on English Folk Tunes, “A time there was…”
W.A. MOZART Concerto No. 23 in A Major for Piano and Orchestra
BENJAMIN BRITTENYoung Apollo for Piano, String Quartet and String Orchestra
F.J. HAYDN Symphony No. 104 in D Major, “London”


Noted Classical specialist Jane Glover takes the podium for a delightful program of music by Mozart, Haydn and Britten. Quintessentially English composer Benjamin Britten wrote this Suite on English Folk Tunes as a nostalgic homage to the popular songs of his youth, viewing the bygone era through a decidedly modern lens. By turns high-spirited and somber, the music readily conjures English eccentricities in a most delightful way.

An early work by Britten, Young Apollo, will feature Ying Li, a pianist rapidly achieving renown for her graceful playing, perfectly suited for Britten’s transparent writing. Inspired by John Keats’ poem “Hyperion” about the ascendancy of the new Olympian gods, Britten described Young Apollo as “bright and brilliant music.”

Ying Li also performs Mozart’s ever-popular Piano Concerto No. 23. The epitome of elegance, Mozart’s music will soothe your soul with its honeyed phrases and gracious sparkle. The whispered tender endearments of the second movement are heavenly and the sheer exuberance of the final movement is like a sunny day. 

Franz Joseph Haydn set the standard for the symphonic form and his last one, No. 104, “London,” is an absolute marvel. The “rock star” composer wrote the symphony for his second visit to London and its winning combination of masterful craftsmanship and catchy melodies drove the fans wild. You’ll rave about it, too!

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