National Philharmonic Season Brochure 1415

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2014-2015 Season

Celebrating 10 YearsPiotr Gajewski, Music Director & Conductorat the Music Center at Strathmore

THE NATIONAL PHILHARMONIC

Welcome to the 2014-2015 SeasonOF THE NATIONAL PHILHARMONIC!It seems like only yesterday that the Music Center at Strathmore was being constructed and the National Philharmonic was waiting with great anticipation to play our first notes on the beautiful stage of this acoustically wondrous concert hall. And here we are, 10 years and well over 200 concerts later, about to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the National Philharmonic at Strathmore.

The celebration in early February features the annual recital by pianist Brian Ganz, now almost halfway through his quest to perform all the works of Frederic Chopin, and a 10th anniversary concert that includes Beethoven’s epic Symphony No. 9; a reprise of Andreas Makris’ Strathmore Overture (commissioned for Strathmore’s inauguration); and cameo appearances by Ganz and cellist Summer Hu. At age 11, Hu was one of the first musicians to take the Strathmore stage – my, how her music has grown!

The season also includes many works of Bach (the Brandenburg Concertos and St. John Passion), Mozart (the Requiem and Jupiter Symphony) and other great composers. Soloists include National Philharmonic favorites violinist Chee-Yun, cellist Zuill Bailey and the 2009 Van Cliburn Gold Medalist, Chinese pianist Haochen Zhang.

Please join me for the exciting 10th anniversary season of the National Philharmonic at Strathmore!

Piotr GajewskiMusic Director & Conductor

PRELUDE OFFERINGSFree lectures by National Philharmonic Associate Conductor Victoria Gau are offered before concerts throughout the season. Please check nationalphilharmonic.org for up-to-date information.

Before the concert, patrons can share a glass of wine, dinner or a delicious dessert with friends or family at the Prelude Café.

Become a Member of the National Philharmonic at the Sustainer Level for exclusive access to the Comcast Lounge before the concert and at intermission throughout the season.

Music. Works. Wonders. nationalphilharmonic.org / 3

Don’t miss a beat of the National Philharmonic’s thrilling 2014-2015 season, led by Music Director and Conductor Piotr Gajewski, who emanates “a sense of gusto” (The Washington Post). The only way to secure the best seats (or any seats) is with a season subscription to the Philharmonic’s “exciting” and “luminous” (The Washington Post) performances at the beautiful Music Center at Strathmore.

Flexible Custom Series: Compose your own subscription! Select the concerts you want to attend and the seating area you would like. Pick four or more concerts and receive substantial discounts! (See page 13 for more information on discounts.)

SUBSCRIBER BENEFITSABSOLUTE BEST SEATING Priority seating now and for future seasons.

NO LINES AT THE TICKET OFFICE No worries about missing the downbeat.

SUBSTANTIAL DISCOUNTS Subscribers receive significant discounts on tickets, depending on the number of concerts ordered. Order more concerts, receive greater discounts (see page 13).

TAX DEDUCTIONS Subscription tickets returned 48 hours in advance of performances are acknowledged as a tax-deductible donation.

NATIONAL PHILHARMONIC BENEFITSFREE PARKING Located in the Grosvenor-Strathmore Metro garage on Tuckerman Lane.

ALL KIDS, ALL FREE, ALL THE TIME Young people age 7-17 can attend ALL National Philharmonic concerts free of charge, making it easy for families to go to concerts together! All seats are reserved, so include the number of KIDS FREE tickets needed when filling out your subscription order form. Throughout the year, KIDS FREE tickets may be obtained in person at the Strathmore Ticket Office or by phone (301-581-5100).

GROUP DISCOUNTS Groups of 10 or more receive exceptional discounts off single ticket prices. For group ticket information, please call 301-581-5199.FLEXIBILITY Tickets may be exchanged for another 2014-2015 National Philharmonic concert (subject to availability). Exchanges must be made at least 48 hours before the concert for which tickets are held. Exchange your tickets in person at the Strathmore Ticket Office or by mail.

FREE TICKET INSURANCE Lost tickets? National Philharmonic can issue replacement seating passes through the Strathmore Ticket Office (301-581-5100).

SUBSCRIBE TODAY!

4 / Call 301-581-5100 today to guarantee best seats! Complimentary parking!

DVOŘÁK’S NEW WORLD SYMPHONYSaturday, October 18, 2014 Sunday, October 19, 2014

Chee-Yun, violinPiotr Gajewski, conductor Mendelssohn’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream overture, composed when he was just a teenager, kicks off the National Philharmonic’s 2014-2015 season! The magical overture captures the whimsical characters and fairyland integral to Shakespeare’s play. Next, award-winning violinist Chee-Yun, whose “technique is brilliant…tone smooth, rich and flawless” (Strings Magazine), performs the Sibelius Concerto for Violin. The concert concludes with Dvořák’s most popular work, Symphony No. 9 (“From the New World”), completed in 1893 during the great Czech nationalist composer’s stay in this country. Full of memorable melodies, this symphony employs Native American tunes to reflect the spirit of America.

Mendelssohn A Midsummer Night’s Dream overtureSibelius Concerto for Violin Dvořák Symphony No. 9 (“From the New World”)

MOZART’S REQUIEMSaturday, November 1, 2014Sunday, November 2, 2014

Danielle Talamantes, sopranoMagdalena Wór, mezzo-sopranoRobert Baker, tenorChristòpheren Nomura, baritoneNational Philharmonic ChoraleStan Engebretson, conductor

Join us for an exciting evening celebrating the vocal genius of Mozart. The poignant Ave Verum Corpus has been described as virtually perfect in conception and execution. The brilliant motet Exsultate Jubilate for soprano and orchestra is one of Mozart’s earliest and most popular works due to its soaring virtuosic “Alleluia” refrain. The evening concludes with Mozart’s final work, the magnificent Requiem, which still moves audiences as much today as it did more than 200 years ago. Particularly in his vocal music, Mozart writes with a sheer boldness of dramatic expression, balancing feelings of joy with sorrow in a timeless and profound manner.

Mozart Ave Verum Corpus Exsultate Jubilate Requiem



HANDEL’S MESSIAHSaturday, December 20, 2014Sunday, December 21, 2014 Rosa Lamoreaux, sopranoMargaret Mezzacappa, mezzo-sopranoMatthew Smith, tenorKevin Deas, bassNational Philharmonic ChoraleStan Engebretson, conductor

Begin your holidays with Handel’s 1741 masterpiece, Messiah, one of the most cherished and frequently performed works in Western choral literature. The critically acclaimed National Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorale, conducted by Stan Engebretson and joined by a superb cast of soloists, bring the joy, spirit and tidings of the season to you with this glorious oratorio, which includes such timeless favorites as “And the Glory of the Lord” and the “Hallelujah Chorus.” Purchase tickets to these performances early as they tend to sell out!

Handel Messiah

Capture the Holiday Spirit

with the National

Philharmonic!

HAYDN’S SURPRISE SYMPHONY

Zuill Bailey, celloPiotr Gajewski, conductor

Prague, the capital of Bohemia (now the Czech Republic), was one of the few cities to show genuine interest in Mozart’s work during his lifetime. The Symphony No. 38 (“Prague”) is a masterpiece of Mozart’s mature style and one of the finest works in the Viennese Classical style. Celebrated cellist Zuill Bailey performs Haydn’s Cello Concerto No. 2, which not only brilliantly exploits the resources of the instrument, but also rewards the listener with music of extraordinary beauty and elegance. The concert concludes with Haydn’s Symphony No. 94 (“Surprise”), known as the “Symphony with the Drumbeat.”

Mozart Symphony No. 38 (“Prague”) Haydn Cello Concerto No. 2

Symphony No. 94 (“Surprise”)

BACH’S BRANDENBURGS Saturday, January 24, 2015

Sunday, January 25, 2015

Justine Lamb-Budge, violinVictoria Chiang, viola

Julius Wirth, violaDavid Whiteside, fluteNicolette Oppelt, flute

Mark Hill, oboeChris Gekker, trumpet

Piotr Gajewski, conductor Few musical works are as beloved as Bach’s six Brandenburg Concertos, which reveal a relatively light side of the composer’s genius. The lively concertos are a highlight of Baroque music, reflecting one of the happiest and most productive periods of Bach’s life. Each was written for a different combination of instruments: No. 2 showcases four solo instruments — flute, violin, oboe and trumpet; No. 3 features strings with keyboard; and No. 4 combines solo violin with a pair of flutes to offer a range of effects from virtuosity to sweetness. Finally, the striking and unusual No. 6 is scored for two violas da braccio, two violas da gamba, cello and continuo (harpsichord and string bass).

Bach Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 Brandenburg Concerto No. 6

HAYDN’S SURPRISE SYMPHONY

during his lifetime. The Symphony No. 38 (“Prague”) is a masterpiece of Mozart’s mature style and one of the finest works in the Viennese Classical style. Celebrated cellist Zuill Bailey performs Haydn’s Cello Concerto No. 2, which not only brilliantly exploits the resources of the


Saturday, January 10, 2015

Few musical works are as beloved as Bach’s six Brandenbur light side of the composer’ concertos ar r

National Philharmonic Celebrates 10 Years at Strathmore!BRIAN GANZ PLAYS CHOPIN Saturday, February 7, 2015

What was it about the mazurka that was so alluring to Chopin? The dance form originated near Warsaw, the city of his childhood, so perhaps composing one was a kind of musical express visit to the land of his youth. Chopin imbues his mazurkas with an immense range of emotions, from sweet nostalgia to mysterious longing, from bitter despair to joyful celebration. Join pianist Brian Ganz, a prizewinner in the Queen Elisabeth of Belgium International Piano Competition, for the fifth recital in his quest to perform all of the composer’s works as he explores the many facets of this beguiling dance in Chopin’s music. “There isn’t much about Chopin that Brian Ganz doesn’t know. His delight and wonder in this music seem to grow, apparently without bounds, as time goes on.” (The Washington Post)

ChopinFour Mazurkas, Op. 24Polonaise in F-sharp minor, Op. 44Three Mazurkas, Op. 50Three Waltzes, Op. 64Two Nocturnes, Op. 15, Nos. 2, 3Three Mazurkas, Op. 59Rondo à la Mazur, Op. 5


National Philharmonic Celebrates 10 Years at Strathmore!


10TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT BEETHOVEN’S NINTH Sunday, February 8, 2015

Brian Ganz, pianoSummer Hu, cello Danielle Talamantes, sopranoMargaret Mezzacappa, mezzo-sopranoColin Eaton, tenorNorman Garrett, baritoneNational Philharmonic ChoralePiotr Gajewski, conductor

Join us for a reprise of the National Philharmonic’s inaugural Strathmore concert from February 12, 2005, which included Andreas Makris’ Strathmore Overture and Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony! Cellist Summer Hu, who at age 11, was one of the first musicians to perform at Strathmore, plays Tchaikovsky’s romantic Variations on a Rococo Theme. Formidable Chopin interpreter pianist Brian Ganz, a longtime soloist with the Philharmonic and audience favorite, plays the composer’s Grande Polonaise Brillante. The anniversary concert ends with Beethoven’s monumental Ninth Symphony (“Choral”), a paean to the brotherhood of man and a work of great optimism.

Makris Strathmore OvertureTchaikovsky Variations on a Rococo Theme Chopin Introduction and Grande Polonaise BrillanteBeethoven Symphony No. 9 in D minor (“Choral”)

RACHMANINOFF’S PIANO CONCERTO NO. 3Saturday, March 28, 2015 Sunday, March 29, 2015

Haochen Zhang, piano Piotr Gajewski, conductor

In Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet Overture-Fantasy, doomed love resonates deeply as Shakespeare’s tragedy and the composer’s tortured personal life collide in this dramatic masterpiece. Full of Spanish folk melodies, Rimsky-Korsakov’s Capriccio Espagnol developed into an orchestral work showcasing the virtuosity of various instrumentalists. The extraordinary pianist Haochen Zhang, Gold Medal winner of the 2009 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, comes to the National Philharmonic as the soloist for the “Mount Everest” of piano concertos, Rachmaninoff’s Concerto No. 3.

Tchaikovsky Romeo and Juliet Overture-Fantasy Rimsky-Korsakov Capriccio Espagnol Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 3

BACH’S ST. JOHN PASSIONSaturday, April 11, 2015

Rosa Lamoreaux, sopranoMagdalena Wór, mezzo-soprano

Rufus Müller, tenor (Evangelist)Matthew Smith, tenor

Andrew McLaughlin, baritone (Jesus)Christòpheren Nomura, baritone

National Philharmonic ChoraleVictoria Gau, conductor

Bach’s St. John Passion remains one of the most deeply affecting and riveting masterworks in this genre. It is a rich, highly dramatic portrayal of the Biblical passion story using soloists, chorus and a colorful baroque orchestra, featuring rarely heard archaic instruments including the lute and viola da gamba. The radiant purity of sound in this emotionally expressive work shines in poignant arias, powerful choruses and gentle, reflective chorales.

Bach St. John Passion10 / Call 301-581-5100 today to guarantee best seats! Complimentary parking!

MOZART’S JUPITER SYMPHONYSaturday, May 2, 2015 Sunday, May 3, 2015

Christopher Taylor, pianist Piotr Gajewski, conductor

The overture to The Marriage of Figaro instantly sets an emotional tone with its distinctive whirlwind humor. Christopher Taylor plays Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 21, which acquired its nickname because the theme of the second movement was featured in the 1967 Swedish movie Elvira Madigan. The concert concludes with Mozart’s last symphony, the powerful No. 41 (“Jupiter”), an optimistic, triumphant and deservedly popular work. No one knows who gave the symphony the name “Jupiter,” but the music reflects its title with its lofty ideas and nobility of treatment.

Mozart Overture to The Marriage of Figaro Piano Concerto No. 21 (“Elvira Madigan”) Symphony No. 41 (“Jupiter”)

FAURÉ’S REQUIEMSaturday, May 30, 2015

Julie Keim, soprano Andrew McLaughlin, baritone

National Philharmonic Chorale Piotr Gajewski, conductor

Brahms’ masterpiece, the Serenade No. 2, always an audience favorite, is one of the composer’s first orchestral works, written before he moved on to large symphonies and concertos. A subtle and poignant work, the popular Fauré Requiem features colorful melodic lines and rich French harmonies.

Brahms Serenade No. 2 Fauré Requiem

MOZART’S JUPITER SYMPHONY

The Marriage of Figaro instantly sets an emotional tone with its distinctive whirlwind humor. Christopher Taylor plays Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 21, which acquired its nickname because the theme of the second


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2014 - 2015 CalendarDate Time ConcertSat. 10/18 8 pm Dvořák’s New World SymphonySun. 10/19 3 pm Dvořák’s New World SymphonySat. 11/1 8 pm Mozart’s RequiemSun. 11/2 3 pm Mozart’s RequiemSat. 12/20 8 pm Handel’s MessiahSun. 12/21 3 pm Handel’s MessiahSat. 1/10 8 pm Haydn’s Surprise SymphonySat. 1/24 8 pm Bach’s BrandenburgsSun. 1/25 3 pm Bach’s Brandenburgs

Strathmore 10th Anniversary Celebration Weekend!Sat. 2/7 8 pm Brian Ganz Plays ChopinSun. 2/8 3 pm Beethoven’s Ninth

Sat. 3/28 8 pm Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3Sun. 3/29 3 pm Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3Sat. 4/11 8 pm Bach’s St. John PassionSat. 5/2 8 pm Mozart’s Jupiter SymphonySun. 5/3 3 pm Mozart’s Jupiter SymphonySat. 5/30 8 pm Fauré’s Requiem


6

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ORCHESTRA TIER FRONT(rows AA&BB,

Seating Area 3)

6

ORCHESTRA FRONT

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Come Hear the Music Play!The Music Center at StrathmoreCall 301-581-5100 or visit nationalphilharmonic.org todayto guarantee best seats!

Flexible Custom Series Order FormThe National Philharmonic FLEXIBLE CUSTOM SERIES provides the convenience of choosing which concerts you want to attend and which seating area you desire. NEW: Discounts are included in ticket prices. Simply follow the steps below. If you have any questions or need assistance, please call the Strathmore Ticket Office at 301-581-5100. Saturday concerts start at 8 pm; Sundays at 3 pm.

Step 1. CHOOSE your seating area.

Seating Area 1 2 3 4 5 64 - 6 concerts $73 $53 $55 $40 $33 $25

7 or more $69 $49 $51 $35 $28 $20

Step 2. PICK your concerts and calculate your subtotal.You must choose at least four different concerts (seating map located on page 12).Concert Price x # of tickets = SubtotalSat.

10/18Dvořák’s New World Symphony $ x = $

Kids Free $6 x = $ Sun.10/19

Dvořák’s New World Symphony $ x = $ Kids Free $6 x = $

Sat. 11/1

Mozart’s Requiem $ x = $ Kids Free $6 x = $

Sun. 11/2

Mozart’s Requiem $ x = $ Kids Free $6 x = $

Sat. 12/20

Handel’s Messiah $ x = $ Kids Free $6 x = $

Sun. 12/21

Handel’s Messiah $ x = $ Kids Free $6 x = $

Sat. 1/10

Haydn’s Surprise Symphony $ x = $ Kids Free $6 x = $

Sat. 1/24

Bach’s Brandenburgs $ x = $ Kids Free $6 x = $

Sun.1/25

Bach’s Brandenburgs $ x = $ Kids Free $6 x = $

Strathmore 10th Anniversary Celebration Weekend! Sat. 2/7

Brian Ganz Plays Chopin $ x = $ Kids Free $6 x = $

Sun. 2/8

Beethoven’s Ninth $ x = $ Kids Free $6 x = $

Sat. 3/28

Rachmaninoff’s Concerto No. 3 $ x = $ Kids Free $6 x = $

Sun. 3/29

Rachmaninoff’s Concerto No. 3 $ x = $ Kids Free $6 x = $

Sat. 4/11

Bach’s St. John Passion $ x = $ Kids Free $6 x = $

Sat. 5/2

Mozart’s Jupiter Symphony $ x = $ Kids Free $6 x = $

Sun. 5/3

Mozart’s Jupiter Symphony $ x = $ Kids Free $6 x = $

Sat. 5/30

Fauré’s Requiem $ x = $ Kids Free $6 x = $

Custom Series Subtotal = $ No Processing Fee = FREE

Tax-deductible contribution to the National Philharmonic: Member Levels† $1,000 $500 $250 $125 $75 Other $

GRAND TOTAL = $ (Please continue with Step 3 on reverse side to complete purchase.)



Custom Series Order Form (cont.)If you have a specific request for seating, please enter it here:

(Please note, seating locations are not guaranteed. Preference is given to Members and returning subscribers.)

Step 3. PROVIDE your contact information.

Name: _________________________________________________________________

Title: Mr. ___ Mrs. ___ Miss ___ Ms. ___ Dr. ___ Other ________________________(Please indicate one)

Address: _______________________________________________________________

City: ______________________________________ State: _______ ZIP: ___________

E-mail: ___________________________________ Phone: _______________________E-mails given are strictly confidential. The National Philharmonic does not sell or trade e-mail addresses.

Step 4. SELECT a method of payment.

Check (payable to the National Philharmonic) Visa MasterCard American Express Discover

Credit Card Number: ____________________________________________________

Expiration Date: __________________________ CVV (Security Code): ___________

Signature: ______________________________________________________________

Step 5. SEND your order with a check or credit card information to:The National Philharmonic

5301 Tuckerman LaneNorth Bethesda, MD 20852-3385

Attn: Subscription Sales

Fax credit card orders to: 301-493-9284.Subscriptions can also be purchased online at nationalphilharmonic.org.

If you have any questions, please call the Strathmore Ticket Office at 301-581-5100.Strathmore Ticket Office hours: Monday-Friday, 10 AM to 5 PM;

Saturday, 10 AM to 2 PM (Please note, summer hours vary.)

Seat Location: Please note, exact seating locations are not guaranteed. Preference is given to Members and returning subscribers.

†Become a MEMBER today! Include a tax-deductible gift of $125 or more with your subscription order and you will receive Member benefits. For more information, visit

nationalphilharmonic.org under Support.

KIDS FREE: KIDS FREE tickets cannot be purchased online; they must be ordered by mail, phone or in person at the Strathmore Ticket Office.

There is a transaction fee of $6 per KIDS FREE ticket purchased through subscriptions.KIDS FREE tickets must be used by audience members age 7-17.

Tickets will be mailed no later than mid-August.

Dates, times, programs, prices and artists are subject to change without notice.

Parking at Strathmore is COMPLIMENTARY for all ticket buyers.


THE NATIONAL PHILHARMONIC THANKS ITS SPONSORS

CREDITS AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTSLauren Aycock Anderson: Brochure design; Josh Cogan: photographs of the National Philharmonic (front cover, pgs. 2 & 9); Pete Checchia: photograph of violinist Justine Lamb-Budge (pg. 7); B. Ealovega: photograph of pianist Haochen Zhang (pg. 10); Youngho Kang: photograph of violinist Chee-Yun (pg. 4); Donald Lassell: photograph of National Philharmonic Chorale (pgs. 6, 9 & 11); Jay Mallin: photograph of pianist Brian Ganz (pg. 9); Christopher Moscatiello: photograph of National Philharmonic Associate Conductor Victoria Gau (pg. 3); David Rodgers: photograph of soprano Rosa Lamoreaux (pg. 10); Diane Sierra: photograph of cellist Zuill Bailey (pg. 7); Ron Solomon: photograph of the Music Center at Strathmore (pg. 9); Katrin Talbot: photograph of pianist Christopher Taylor (pg. 11); Michael Ventura: photograph of National Philharmonic Associate Conductor Victoria Gau (pg. 10).

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National Philharmonic Season Brochure 1415

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