Xian Zhang returns to The Philadelphia Orchestra to conduct music by Mozart, Piazzolla and Vivaldi on February 1, 2 and 4.
On February 1, Xian conducts the orchestra and violinist David Kim for “Strings and Tango”, part of the brilliant Orchestra After 5 Thursday series. Featuring The Four Seasons by both Vivaldi and Piazzolla, the “classical concert with a casual vibe” also includes engaging pre-concert activities, themed cocktails, and conversations with the orchestra’s musicians.
On February 2 and 4, in addition to The Four Seasons, Xian will conduct Mozart’s Symphony No. 39 in E-flat Major, K. 543.
The Philadelphia Orchestra writes, “More than 200 years after Baroque master Antonio Vivaldi wrote his classic Four Seasons, Argentinian composer Astor Piazzolla, famed for his tango-flavored works, created his Four Seasons of Buenos Aires. The unique suite heard in this program matches Vivaldi’s and Piazzolla’s seasons in hemispheric order, pairing Argentina’s summer with Italy’s winter, and so forth. It’s a fascinating juxtaposition, hearing Vivaldi’s silvery, singing strings followed by Piazzolla’s dramatic dance rhythms, spiked with col legno (a playing technique literally translated as “with the wood,” where the players use the wooden surface of their bows to create percussive sounds). This centuries-spanning montage is a brilliant showcase for Philadelphia Orchestra Concertmaster David Kim, hailed for his ‘scintillating, silken tone’”.
These concerts are part of David Kim’s 25th anniversary celebration.
For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit:
February 1 at 6:30 PM: Orchestra After 5: Strings and Tango
February 2 and 4 at 2:00 PM: Vivaldi, Piazzolla and Mozart