TFO: BEETHOVEN’S EROICA SYMPHONY FEATURING SHOSTAKOVICH’S PIANO CONCERTO NO. 2

Michael Francis, conductor

Natasha Paremski, piano

John Adams: The Chairman Dances: Foxtrot for Orchestra

Shostakovich: Piano Concerto No. 2

Beethoven: Symphony No. 3, “Eroica”

Michael Francis conducts the symphony that changed all symphonies, Beethoven’s monumental Third. No one had heard anything like it before. The work was originally called “Bonaparte” after Napoleon, but a disgruntled Beethoven hastily changed the title to “Eroica,” meaning heroic. Pianist Natasha Paremski returns to perform Shostakovich’s Piano Concerto No. 2, a glorious work that breaks free from the oppression of communist rule after the death of Stalin. The program starts with the evocative Chairman Dances: Foxtrot for Orchestra, composed by American John Adams and inspired by President Nixon’s trip to China.

Bonus! For every Masterworks concert, Michael Francis has personally chosen a surprise “mystery piece” to enhance your experience. What will it be this weekend?

PRE-CONCERT CONVERSATIONS: Get the real story behind the composers and their music, straight from the conductor and guest soloists. Starts one hour before each Masterworks concert in the theater. Included free with each concert ticket.