The Philadelphia Orchestra’s Artist-in-Residence, Leila Josefowicz, to Welcome Young Talent to the Stage and Perform in Solo Appearance

(Philadelphia, March 22, 2012)–Philadelphia Orchestra Artist-in-Residence and internationally known violinist Leila Josefowicz welcomes 2011-12 Albert M. Greenfield Student Competition winners to the Verizon Hall stage in the Musical Prodigies Family Concert on Saturday, March 24.

Josefowicz made her debut in Philadelphia as a 13- year-old prodigy, so it is only fitting that she introduces the local musical stars of tomorrow to Philadelphia audiences. The young prodigies include pianist Ethan Lee, mezzo-soprano J’nai Bridges, flutist Niles Watson, and oboist Alexander Vvedenskiy. Children and parents alike will be in awe of these promising young virtuosos who will be performing pieces that include Pasculli’s Oboe Concerto on Themes from Donizetti’s La favorita, Bizet’s “Habanera” from Carmen, the first movement from Ibert’s Flute Concerto, and an excerpt from Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. This concert marks the start of a promising career for these young virtuosos; many of the past winners have gone on to develop international solo careers. Before the conclusion of the concert, the audience will get to know the winners on a personal level as Josefowicz asks each prodigy questions about their musical journey and future goals.

A week later, Thursday-Saturday, March 29-31, in Verizon Hall, conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen welcomes Josefowicz as he leads The Philadelphia Orchestra in performances of his own Violin Concerto, which was composed for her, and Bartók’s Music for Strings, Percussion Celesta.

In her early 20s, Josefowicz decided to add more contemporary styles to her repertoire and began commissioning works. Josefowicz sent a fan letter to Salonen expressing that if he ever wrote a piece for her to play, she would put “her all into it.” This performance will bring the two of them together to perform the piece they premiered in 2009 with the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

The evening comes to a close with Debussy’s brilliant orchestral work La Mer, which truly stands out as a work of intense imagination. This work, comprised of three symphonic sketches of the sea, begins with beautiful runs on the harp and woodwinds depicting the changes of the atmosphere that leads into urgent and full orchestral swells depicting the natural waves of the sea that continue to build as the dangers of the sea are revealed.

About The Philadelphia Orchestra

The Philadelphia Orchestra is among the world’s leading orchestras. Renowned for its artistic excellence since its founding in 1900, the Orchestra has excited audiences with thousands of concerts in Philadelphia and around the world. With only seven music directors throughout more than a century of unswerving orchestral distinction, the artistic heritage of The Philadelphia Orchestra is attributed to extraordinary musicianship under the leadership and innovation of Fritz Scheel (1900-07), Carl Pohlig (1907-12), Leopold Stokowski (1912-41), Eugene Ormandy (1936-80), Riccardo Muti (1980-92), Wolfgang Sawallisch (1993-2003), and Christoph Eschenbach (2003-08). After 30 years of a celebrated association with The Philadelphia Orchestra, Charles Dutoit currently continues the tradition as chief conductor and Yannick Nézet-Séguin has assumed the title of music director designate until he takes up the baton as The Philadelphia Orchestra’s next music director in 2012.

The Philadelphia Orchestra annually touches the lives of countless music lovers worldwide, through concerts, presentations, and recordings. Each year the Orchestra presents a subscription season at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, education and community partnership programs, and annual appearances at Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center; it also regularly tours throughout the world. Its summer schedule includes performances at the Mann Center, free Neighborhood Concerts throughout Greater Philadelphia, and residencies at the Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival and the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. For more information on The Philadelphia Orchestra, please visit www.philorch.org.