Stamford Symphony Orchestra’s “Maestro 2017-2018 Season” begins Saturday, Oct. 14 with a pre-concert gala and opening weekend conducted by the first of five finalist conductors who will take the podium this season.
There will also be a concert at 3 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 15. Kids get free admission Sunday with an accompanying adult.
— an announcement from Stamford Symphony
Before the Sunday concert, children ages 7-12 are invited to a free MusiKids interactive education program at 2 p.m. in the Upper Lobby of the Palace Theatre.
Meet Guest Conductor Lidiya Yankovskaya
“If there were a futures market for classical music, the touts would be pushing Lidiya Yankovskaya.” –WBUR
Recently named the Music Director of Chicago Opera Theatre and Artistic Director of Boston New Music Festival, Juventas New Music Ensemble, Music Director of Commonwealth Lyric Theatre, Guest Chorus Master for numerous programs with the Boston Symphony Orchestra (Tanglewood Festival Chorus), and Conductor for Boston Youth Orchestra.
Ms. Yankovskaya has a BA in music and philosophy from Vassar College and an MM in conducting from Boston University. She is also the recipient of Marin Alsop’s Taki Concordia Fellowship Program and Dallas Opera Institute for Women Conductors Program.
Ms Yankovskaya will be leading the Stamford Symphony in an all-Russian musical program that features works by Tchaikovsky, Glinka and Rimsky-Korsakov. The audience will have a chance to hear Ms. Yankovskaya as she hosts the always FREE Behind the Baton lecture one hour pre-concert.
Violinist Stefan Jackiw
Joining Ms. Yankovskaya and the Stamford Symphony during opening weekend is violinist, Stefan Jackiw performing Tchaikovsky’s violin concerto in D Major.
Stefan Jackiw is recognized as one of his generation’s most significant artists, captivating audiences with playing that combines poetry and purity with an impeccable technique.
Hailed for playing of “uncommon musical substance” that is “striking for its intelligence and sensitivity” (Boston Globe), Jackiw has appeared as soloist with the Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, New York, Philadelphia, and San Francisco Symphony Orchestras, among others.
Stefan is also an active recitalist and chamber musician. He has performed in numerous important festivals and concert series including the Aspen Music Festival, Ravinia Festival, Caramoor, New York’s Mostly Mozart Festival, The 92nd Street Y in NYC and with the Philadelphia Chamber Music Society among others.
As a chamber musician, Jackiw has collaborated with such artists as Jeremy Denk, Steven Isserlis, Yo-Yo Ma and Gil Shaham.
Born in 1985 to physicist parents of Korean and German descent, Stefan Jackiw began playing the violin at the age of four. His teachers included Zinaida Gilels, Michèle Auclair, and Donald Weilerstein.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Harvard University as well as an Artist Diploma from the New England Conservatory, and is a recipient of the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant. He lives in New York City.
Opening Night Benefit Dinner
PRELUDE, Stamford Symphony’s Opening Night Benefit Dinner and Concert will be held starting in the upper lobby of the Palace Theatre. This year’s gala honors Barbara Soroca, Stamford Symphony’s CEO and President, for her 39 years of service to Stamford Symphony.
This Black and White themed event will be catered by Marcia Selden Catering and will feature a cocktail hour with live music, dinner and silent auction followed by the Opening Night concert.
If You’re Going …
- All proceeds benefit Stamford Symphony and its education programs.
- Individual tickets and tables of 10 are available, starting at $350.
- Please contact Patron Services for more information 203.325.1407 x 10.
Stamford Symphony’s Maestro Search Season
As part of the Maestro Search Season, all audience members will be able to share their thoughts about each conductor. Audience feedback surveys will be inserted into the program book and ushers will be collecting completed surveys immediately after the concerts.
Stamford Symphony encourages all concertgoers to participate. We value your input. As the Stamford Symphony and our audience embark on the journey to choose our next podium leader, it is important to attend each concert this season.
Subscriptions and Single Tickets Are Now on Sale
- Stamford Symphony subscriptions available online or via Patron Services at 203.325.1407, x10.
- Single tickets are available via the box office at 203.325.4466 or online.
Details of the 2017-2018 Program
October 14 & 15, 2017
Tchaikovsky & Rimsky-Korsakov: Opening Weekend Guest Conductor: Lidiya Yankovskaya Glinka Ruslan & Lyudmilla: Overture Rimsky Korsakov Symphony No. 1 in E minor Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto in D Major, Stefan Jackiw, violin November 4 & 5, 2017 Beethoven, Ravel & Stravinksy Guest Conductor: Daniel Hege Brahms Hungarian Dance No. 5 Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 1 in C Major, Orion Weiss, piano Ravel Le Tombeau de Couperin Stravinsky Firebird: Suite (1919) December 9, 2017 Handel’s Messiah Guest Conductor: Ted Sperling MasterVoices chorus At the Basilica of St. John the Evangelist, Stamford Handel’s Messiah Part I & Hallelujah Chorus February 24 & 25, 2018 Brahms, Copland & Saint-Saëns Guest Conductor: David Lockington Copland Music for the Theatre Saint-Saëns Cello Concerto No. 1 in A minor, Joshua Roman, cello Popper Hungarian Rhapsody for cello and orchestra, Joshua Roman, cello Haydn Symphony No. 22 in E-flat Major, Der Philosoph Brahms Haydn Variations Lockington Ceremonial Fantasy Fanfare March 17 & 18, 2018 Haydn, Mendelssohn & Schumann Guest Conductor: Paul Watkins Haydn Symphony No. 102 in B-flat Major Mendelssohn Violin Concerto in E minor, Benjamin Beilman, violin Schumann Symphony No. 3 in E-flat Major, Rhenish April 21 & 22, 2018 Tchaikovsky & Saint-Saëns Guest Conductor: Rei Hotoda Fung String Sinfonietta Saint-Saëns Piano Concerto No. 2 in G minor, Cecile Licad, piano Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 5 in E minor May 5, 2018 World Stage Recital Stephen Hough Piano Recital Featuring works by Debussy, Beethoven and Schumann Saturdays at 8pm & Sundays at 3pm Stamford’s Palace Theatre Tickets start at $25. Kids under 18 FREE on Sunday! Learn More: FREE Behind the Baton lecture one hour pre-concert with our guest Maestro Just For Kids: FREE Interactive MusiKids program on Sundays at 2pm www.stamfordsymphony.org |
More About the Stamford Symphony
- The Stamford Symphony aspires to build a lifelong appreciation of classical music among all populations of Stamford and its neighboring communities. It fulfills this mission through passionate, professional performances of the highest caliber, diverse and innovative programming, and inspiring educational initiatives.
- The orchestra is an ensemble of professional musicians from the tri-state area. In addition to the Stamford Symphony, these musicians perform with some of the metropolitan area’s premier ensembles, including the orchestras of the Metropolitan Opera, New York City Ballet, the American Symphony Orchestra, the New York Pops, and the Orchestra of St. Luke’s.
- For more information, please visit us at www.stamfordsymphony.org.