Travel along the Rhine through the inspiring classical notes of Mozart & Schumann brought to life by the Oakville Chamber Orchestra and soloist Stephanie Cheng. Concerts are on February 21 and 22nd.
The Rhineland concert is special to me for two reasons. Schumann's Third Symphony is believed to be a description of the Rhine region in Germany. The piece sounds itself like a trip down the Rhine, with pauses along the way to enjoy nature, folk dances, and especially the towering Cologne Cathedral.
The fourth movement is a solemn procession in the mighty edifice, with all the pomp and ceremony of ancient ritual. These impressions are meaningful to me because the city where the Symphony was written has become a kind of second home to me, Düsseldorf where my parents-in-law live and my wife Silke and I frequently visit.
I hope to bring the flavour of the Rhine region to you. The first half of the concert is Mozart's Piano Concerto #22, a piece with a particularly wonderful slow movement that makes beautiful use of the orchestra's wind section. As a teenager I listened to Mozart's Concertos again and again; they're the height of elegance and precision. My friend and colleague Dr. Stephanie Cheng, Professor of Piano at the American University of Kuwait will join us for this sparkling concerto... I think this may be my favourite concert in years!
We are thrilled to be bringing back Stephanie Cheng to perform with us. Ms. Cheng was an audience favourite as a past soloist with the OCO so we are confident that everyone is going to be pleased to hear her perform with us again.
"It is with great pleasure that I look forward to returning to the Oakville Chamber Orchestra. In March 2011, I performed the Mozart Concerto in D major, KV 537 with the OCO. Since then, I have moved to Kuwait for a unique adventure, as an Assistant Professor of Music at the American University of Kuwait. I am excited, upon my return, to share with you not only another Mozart Concerto, but also some anecdotes from the Arabia", says Ms. Cheng.
Saturday February 21, 7:30 pm
262 Randall St, Oakville
Saturday evening concert features an exhibition by members of The Oakville Sculptors and Woodcarvers Guild and the Marquetry Society.
Sunday February 22, 3:00 pm
1450 Litchfield Rd, Oakville
Tickets can be purchased online at www.oakvillechamber.org or by phoning (905) 483-6787 (OPUS)
Tickets $30 adult, $25 senior, $20 student and $15 child.
Don't miss this wonderful concert and amazing opportunity to hear a most talented pianist in our own community.