The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra on Tuesday announced its 2019/20 Philharmonics and Pops Series.
The RPO says that while two of the 14 Philharmonics weekends will focus specifically on Susan B. Anthony and the 19th Amendment, women composers, conductors, and guest artists are featured throughout.
“The RPO has always been a trailblazing institution and this season we get to up the ante,” said RPO Music Director Ward Stare. “We’ll explore contemporary classical music – from historical icons like Bartók and Debussy, to emerging living composers including our opening weekend featuring works by four living composers and the incredible violinist Leila Josefowicz as our soloist.”
“After 25 years as Principal Pops Conductor, you might think I’ve seen it all, but the truth is, every new season is more exciting than the last,” said Jeff Tyzik. “Each season gives us the opportunity to bring the best in programming, talented artists, and meaningful collaborations. I am thrilled to be working with Garth Fagan Dance this season, to celebrate the company’s 50th anniversary!”
The RPO season kicks off September 19 and 21 as part of the KeyBank Rochester Fringe Festival. It includes four living composers: Bates, McTee, Reich, and Adams. The program concludes with world-renowned violinist Leila Josefowicz as soloist in John Adams’ Scheherazade.2.
Conductor Laureate Christopher Seaman will conduct Tschaikovsky’s Symphony no. 4 on October 17 and 19.
Guest conductor JoAnn Falletta, who is Music Director of the Buffalo Philharmonic, conducts Symphonie fantastique by Berlioz on November 21 and 23.
Next January 30 and February 1, Ward Stare conducts the world premiere of a new work by an emerging female composer.
The Pops Series takes a look at the music of Prohibition from Rudy Vallee to Josephine Baker, celebrates the nation with the U.S. Naval Academy Glee Club, collaborates with Garth Fagan Dance in honor of the company’s 50th year, and brings 100 years of Nat King and Natalie Cole to Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre, before ending season with the music of singer/songwriter Paul Simon on May 22 and 23.
And the Harry Potter series continues with Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban – Film with Orchestra.
