Kensho Watanabe Conductor
Charlotte Blake Alston Speaker
Sergio Tiempo Piano
Skoryk Melody
Chopin Piano Concerto No. 1
Shostakovich Symphony No. 5
Program Notes
For a period in the mid-1930s, Dmitri Shostakovich composed under intense political pressure from the Soviet government, remarking to a friend in 1936: “If they cut off both my hands, I will compose music anyway holding the pen in my teeth.” Yannick and the Orchestra perform his towering Symphony No. 5, which put the composer back in the government’s good graces, for a while. Renowned for his energy and versatility, Venezuelan pianist Sergio Tiempo performs Chopin’s ebullient Piano Concerto No. 1.
In solidarity with the people of Ukraine, we have added Ukrainian composer Myroslav Skoryk’s Melody from the film The High Pass to these performances in place of Gabriela Lena Frank's Leyendas.
Please join the Orchestra as we stand with the people of Ukraine this week with some special performances. The Orchestra will perform Melody by Ukrainian composer Myroslav Skoryk. In addition, a FREE concert by members of Philly's Ukrainian community and the Orchestra will be held in Commonwealth Plaza one hour prior to the Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon performances.
Please note: This performance was originally titled "Gustavo Dudamel's Debut." Conductor Gustavo Dudamel has withdrawn from his scheduled debut with The Philadelphia Orchestra, March 24–27, 2022, for personal reasons. Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin has graciously agreed to conduct all four concerts in Dudamel’s absence.