Sunday, January 5 | 3:00 PM

A Passion for Italy

It's an afternoon of sublime orchestral works that turn our attention to the beauty and romance of Italy.

The program opens with the whimsical Suite for Lower Strings, by Brazilian American composer Clarice Assad. It adds new twists to familiar music by Bach, in which the main melodies are played by the lower strings for a change.

Then our attention shifts to the Italian peninsula. The Haydn concerto was written for the Italian violinist Luigi Tomasini (1741-1808), the master musician who led Hungarian Prince Esterházy's court orchestra, which Haydn directed.

Finally, Mendelssohn's beloved Symphony No. 4 is based on his impressions of Italy, which he toured from Milan to Naples. The composer's excitement for the country is palpable in the piece, and you may find it hard not to rush right out and book your next vacation for Italy.

PROGRAM NOTES

Program
CLARICE ASSAD: Suite for Lower Strings
JOSEPH HAYDN: Concerto for Violin in C
FELIX MENDELSSOHN: Symphony No. 4

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Artists

Carolyn Kuan

Caroyln Kuan, recognized as a conductor of extraordinary versatility, has enjoyed successful associations with top tier orchestras, opera companies, ballet companies, and festivals worldwide. Her commitment to contemporary music has defined her approach to programming, and established her as an international resource for new music and world premieres. She has served as Music Director of the Hartford Symphony Orchestra since 2011.

Daniel Andai

Multi-talented Daniel Andai has shared his versatile artistry as violinist, arts educator, and conductor with audiences and students throughout the world. Currently, he serves as Concertmaster of the Miami Symphony, Dean of the New World School of the Arts, and Artistic Director of both the Killington Music Festival and Miami’s Alhambra Orchestra, where he is also Principal Conductor.

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