Pictures and Preparation Perils

This weekend, Estonian conductor Eri Klas will lead The Phoenix Symphony in a program including Mussorgsky's most popular musical creation, Pictures at an Exhibition, orchestrated by Maurice Ravel. We're thrilled to have Eri Klas with us this week, but one of the perils of attracting international artists is that sometimes, despite the best laid plans, international conditions beyond our control throw a wrench into the production. The day Maestro Klas was scheduled to depart Scandinavia for Phoenix, it was hit with a massive snow storm (something we fortunately don't have to think about in this city). As the airport began digging its way out, it wouldn't be until Tuesday evening that Maestro Klas would finally be able to touch down in Phoenix. But never missing a beat, assistant conductor Benjamin Rous stepped in to begin the week's rehearsals so that all could proceed according to schedule.

So, with a wintery crisis averted, we can turn our attention to a thrilling weekend of concerts that also include virtuoso violinist Ning Kam performing not one, but two violin works: Havanaise by Saint-Saëns, and Tzigane by Ravel. Ning Kam's website at http://www.ningkam.com/ has great sound clips and other ways to get to know this young soloist before you see her live in concert. If you haven't seen it yet, Michael Christie also prepared a video preview of the concert for you which you can find right now on The Phoenix Symphony website homepage. All of these mid-to-late romantic-era pieces will combine to create two spectacular evenings of musical passion. Tickets are only a click away right here. After the concert, be sure to stop back here and let us know what you thought!