Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony
The Russian Romantic’s passionate thrill ride meets a contemporary saxophone concerto about the Black American diaspora.
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Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony
Known for constantly wrestling with his personal turmoil, Tchaikovsky described the driving force of his Fourth Symphony as Fate itself, “the fatal power which prevents one from attaining the goal of happiness.” Finnish conductor Jukka-Pekka Saraste leans into the composer’s anguish and desire to overcome with an exhilarating interpretation of this passionate symphony. By the finale, audiences will be convinced of Tchaikovsky’s belief that “joy is a simple but powerful force….To live is still possible.”
At the center of the program is Diaspora, a saxophone concerto by Los Angeles-based composer Billy Childs that confronts history and identity. Using poetry by Maya Angelou, Claude McKay, and Nayyirah Waheed as guideposts for the music, Childs says Diaspora is “sifted through the prism of my own experience as a Black man in America.”
The Seattle Times lauded Steven Banks, whom the work was written, for evoking both the idyllic and harrowing aspects of Diaspora and bringing “extraordinary presence and variety to the solo part, moving between soprano and alto saxophones as if an actor playing multiple roles.”
Program
Intermission
TCHAIKOVSKY
Andante sostenuto —Moderato con anima
Andantino in modo di canzona
Scherzo: Pizzicato ostinato. Allegro
Finale: Allegro con fuoco
Watch & Listen
Don't miss Tchaikovsky's Fourth Symphony!
Take a ride on Tchaikovsky's emotional roller coaster of a symphony. Explore Black history and resilience through Billy Childs' concerto for saxophonist Steven Banks. Hear the sounds of Finnish folklore in Sibelius' The Bard. Experience it all on November 13 and 15!
The Saxophone Game-Changer: Meet Steven Banks
Saxophonist and composer Steven Banks brings us into the world of classical saxophone, teaching, stage, and sound world.
Steven Banks performs Billy Childs' Diaspora with the Minnesota Orchestra
Ruth Reinhardt led the Minnesota Orchestra with soloist Steven Banks in this performance on February 9, 2024.
Can a Shy Person Lead a 100-Piece Orchestra? Ft. Jukka-Pekka Saraste
Filmed in May of 2021 in Munich, Saraste joins for a conversation about his musical life and philosophy of drawing a listener to the performance.
Jukka-Pekka Saraste conducts Sibelius' Symphony No. 1 with the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra
Excerpt from Movement 1. Andante, ma non troppo - Allegro energico
Walt Disney Concert Hall
111 S Grand Ave Los Angeles, California 90012
Transportation
We suggest arriving at least 1 hour before your event's start time
Get to the Hall via the A or E Line to Grand Av Arts/Bunker Hill Station, or take the B or D Line to Civic Center/Grand Park Station. The Metro J Line busway also stops nearby at Grand Av Arts/Bunker Hill.
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LA Phil Store
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