The Austin Symphony Orchestra Kicks Off 2004 With Some 'Rach Music

WHO: The Austin Symphony Orchestra; WHEN: January 23 & 24 -- 8:00 p.m.; WHERE: Bass Concert Hall; TICKETS: $19 - $35

AUSTIN, TX (PRWEB) January 10, 2004 --The Austin Symphony begins the second half of its 93rd concert season with acclaimed Canadian pianist Jon Kimura Parker. Mr. Parker has, in recent seasons, performed in Carnegie Hall, the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Londons Queen Elizabeth Hall and the Sydney Opera House; toured the Canadian Arctic and given an impromptu concert while on safari in Zimbabwe. This eclectic virtuoso will perform Rachmaninoffs Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini" -- a thrilling concert experience for casual music lovers, technique fanatics and everyone in between. For the curious and adventurous, there are pre-concert talks at Bass Concert Hall starting at 7:10 and a wealth of information on the Symphony website.

Concert Program:
WAGNER Rienzi Overture
RACHMANINOFF hapsody On A Theme Of Paganini DVOŘÁK Symphony No.6 In D Major, Op. 60

Of Parkers 2000 performance of Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini" in San Antonio, the Express-News wrote ...gargantuan technique, awesome timing, oceanic depth, volcanic fire and more fun than the whole Marx Brother's catalog." In fact, Jon Kimura Parker is known as much for his technical skill as for his unique personality onstage and off. Comments listed on his website speak volumes about his versatility and flare: Farthest north I have ever played, Most outrageous quote in a Mozart Concerto cadenza, Strangest outfit I have worn onstage, Most exciting meeting prior to Oscar Peterson, et al. He will be performing Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini," famous for several reasons. Paganini wrote a catchy tune indeed; the audience gets to watch a pianist get quite a workout; the piece is witty and brilliant; and if all this wasnt enough, listeners are treated to one of the most delightful and irresistible tunes ever written: Rachmaninoffs 18th Variation of Paganinis theme.

Also on the program are Dvořáks Symphony No.6 In D Major" and Wagners Rienzi Overture." In Symphony No. 6" Dvořák pays homage to his German mentor, Brahms, creating what is perhaps the most vibrant of his late symphonies and some of the composers most magical moments. Dvořák and his music were extremely well received in his time. Alternately, Wagner was the most controversial musical figure of the 19th Century, reviled by many critics of the day. Yet today, we recognize the Rienzi Overture" (from his opera Rienzi) as bold and grand, fitting of the titular character, the hero of Edward Bulwer-Lytton novel -- Rienzi: The Last of the Tribunes.

Download a printable photo at: http://www.austinsymphony.org/newspress

Charge tickets and buy gift certificates online at http://www.austinsymphony.org where you will find interactive seating maps, price options and a wealth of concert information. Purchase tickets at the Symphony Box Office, 11th and Red River or call 476-6064 or 1-888-4-MAESTRO (toll-free).

Concert Sponsors: Bank of America & ExxonMobil
Season Sponsor: St. Davids Healthcare Partnership
Media Sponsors: Time Warner/News 8 Austin, KMFA Classical 89.5, and Austin American-Statesman
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