• Montreal-born pianist Marc-Andre Hamelin is a multi-Juno Award winner and Grammy nominee. His performance of Beethoven’s “Emperor” will leave no doubt as to why he is one of the most sought-after piano soloists in the world.
• Victoria Polevá’s one-movement symphony “White Interment” is reflective, meditative, and quietly intense.
• Elgar’s Enigma Variations are musical sketches of the people he loved. The laughter and tears you’ll feel are real.

The “demon speed” (bso.org) of Montreal-born pianist Marc-Andre Hamelin’s finger work, along with his passionate musicianship, have earned him 7 Juno Awards and 11 Grammy nominations. As Hamelin takes on Beethoven’s “Emperor”, you’ll see it’s no mystery why he’s internationally recognized as one of the great concert pianists performing today.

Our concert opens with Ukrainian composer Victoria Polevá’s one-movement symphony, “White Interment,” which takes us to a sound world of white winter landscapes. The piece evokes the feeling of being snowed in until birdsong finally arrives.

Ludwig van Beethoven worked on his fifth piano concerto in Vienna as Napoleon’s army laid siege to the city. Despite sheltering in his brother’s cellar, which was dangerously close to the action, Beethoven composed one of his best-loved piano concertos. The history of the “Emperor” nickname isn’t entirely clear, but it decidedlyhad nothing to do with “Emperor” Napoleon.

Closing out the program, Edward Elgar’s 14 + 1 Enigma Variations are musical sketches of his family and friends. Like people, they’re all unique and beautiful. Some might be familiar to you, while others will be wonderful discoveries. In their entirety, though, the Enigma Variations remind us that the people we love are every bit as different and enigmatic as this work.

Programme:

Victoria Vita Poleva: Symphony No. 3, ‘White Interment’

Ludwig Van Beethoven: Piano Concerto No.5, ‘Emperor’ (Marc Andre Hamelin, piano)

Edward Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36, ‘Enigma Variations’.