Sarah Chang plays Sibelius Violin Concerto in Program of Scandinavian Works

Feb 28, 2007

For Immediate Release

Contact: Annie Matlow 326-3136

Spokane—Music Director Eckart Preu leads the Spokane Symphony and violinist Sarah Chang on Friday, March 9 at 8 p.m. at the INB Performing Arts Center. This program, entitled Temperaments, will include Einojuhani Rautavaara's Cantus Arcticus, Carl Nielsen's Symphony No. 2 Four Temperaments, and Sarah Chang playing the Concerto for Violin of Jean Sibelius.

An unusual piece a concerto for birds and orchestra opens the concert. Finnish composer Einojuhani Rautavaara found inspiration for his Cantus Arcticus in the songs of the birds that inhabit the Arctic Circle. The orchestra accompanies the sounds of actual Arctic birds, recordings made by the composer in the 1970s.

Danish composer Carl Nielsen was inspired to write his Second Symphony after seeing a painting in an inn that depicted Four Temperaments. A different mood is represented in each of the four movements of the symphony.

The Concerto for Violin by Finnish composer Jean Sibelius is one of the most important works in the violin concerto repertoire. Made famous by Jascha Heifetz in the 1930s, this work features great lyrical beauty juxtaposed with unique orchestral colors. Ms. Chang's emotive playing and exquisite technique are sure to shine through in this performance.

Violinist Sarah Chang is recognized the world over as one of classical music's most captivating and gifted performers. One of the most remarkable prodigies of any generation, she has matured into a young artist whose musical insight, technical virtuosity, and emotional range continue to astonish. Bernard Holland of The New York Times described Ms. Chang as a wonder. Her full, beautiful tone, unimpeachable intonation and restrained sincerity worked perfectly against the music around her. One heard everything, and everything was worth hearing.

As one of the Symphony YES! series concerts, sponsored by STCU, Friday's performance will include educational activates for children ages eight and older before the concert and during intermission, including the opportunity to meet some of the musicians of the orchestra .

The Temperaments concert is made possible by the generous support of Kop & Maxine Kopczynski and the Mary Jewett Gaiser Endowment Fund.

Tickets range from $17 to $39 and are available Monday through Friday from 9:30-5:00 p.m. at the Spokane Symphony Ticket Office at 818 West Riverside Avenue or by calling (509) 624-1200. Tickets are also available, with a service charge, at www.spokanesymphony.org or through TicketsWest at 325-SEAT or 1-800-325-SEAT.