Colorado Symphony

Olga Kern, piano
Justin Bartels, trumpet

MUSSORGSKY  The Fair at Sorochinski: Gopak
SHOSTAKOVICH Piano Concerto No. 1 in C minor, Op. 35*
RACHMANINOFF Symphony No. 2 in E minor, Op. 27

Denver favorite Olga Kern returns, lending dazzling technique and searing musicianship to Shostakovich’s witty Piano Concerto No. 1. The piece – a rule-breaking, neo-baroque romp filled with sardonic humor, parody, and fleeting musical quotes – is actually a double concerto supported by string orchestra in which the piano converses with solo trumpet, played by our inimitable Principal Trumpet Justin Bartels.

Sergei Rachmaninoff, so highly regarded for his own prodigious piano concertos, finally placed himself among the greats of the symphonic form with the completion of his Second Symphony. A romantic tour de force, this luxurious work brims with emotion as heart-wrenching melodies unfold across its four breathtaking movements. With the always-vibrant Christopher Dragon on the podium, this is a program that will leave you simply spellbound.