Xian Zhang Conductor
Monica Czausz Berney Organ
Eötvös When It Hits the Ocean Below (world premiere—Philadelphia Orchestra commission)
Smetana “The Moldau,” from Má vlast
Saint-Saëns Symphony No. 3 (“Organ”)
Program Notes
The sonorous melodies of Saint-Saëns’s “Organ” Symphony reverberate and glow in the hands of soloist Monica Czausz Berney, known for her creative programming and innovative use of the organ. Verizon Hall’s Fred J. Cooper Memorial Organ, the world’s largest mechanical action concert hall pipe organ, adds its own grandeur to the French composer’s masterpiece. In his ode to the Moldau River, Smetana takes us on a journey through Prague and its surrounding countryside in this audience favorite. Composer Melody Eötvös evokes the thunderous cracking of melting icebergs with the world premiere of her organ work When It Hits the Ocean Below.
May 21 Organ Prelude
Monica Czausz Berney will offer an Organ Prelude prior to the start of Saturday evening's concert. This special event is free to all ticket holders.
Saturday, May 21 7:00 PM
Monica Czausz Berney Organ
Bach Toccata and Fugue in D minor, BWV 538 (“Dorian”)
Kapustin/arr. Berney Rondo: Presto, from Sinfonietta