MARTIN MAJKUT

Why name a violin concerto “The Joy of Suffering?” Qigang Chen wrote this work after the tragic passing of his son. He explains how suffering and joy are like co-joined twins – one cannot exist without the other – and how deeply joy feels after a hardship is experienced. The music is absolute magic – it is a modern romantic Concerto that marries Chinese tunes Qigang grew up with the French tonal palette the composer adopted during his studies in Paris. You may not have heard of Qigang Chen before, but you will want to hear much more of him after The Joy of Suffering. 

 

Nancy Zhou’s debut with the RVS was as memorable as what followed: it was the last live series before the pandemic. I am thrilled to have her back. After The Joy of Suffering, she will play Kreisler’s Chinese Tambourine, which is a real sparkler of a piece! It will be so much fun to help her navigate every turn of this virtuosic journey with our orchestra.

 

Before becoming Dean of Music at Juilliard, David Ludwig taught at the Curtis Institute in Philadelphia. This is an institution steeped in history. Once upon a time, the great American composer Samuel Barber sat in the same chair as David. You can think of Fanfare for Sam as a fan letter from the younger composer to his legendary predecessor.  

 

I was so happy to have David as our inaugural Composer in Residence. Our relationship continues next year when the RVS premieres a piece that will reflect on his time with us here in Southern Oregon. 

 

Pictures at an Exhibition! I remember hearing this piece for the first time at the age of fifteen and falling so hard for it. I realized that music has a power to conjure up vivid images and that it is mighty fun to do so! 

 

The genius of Mussorgsky – what an original idea and how spectacularly he brought it to life! – met its match when Ravel, another genius, turned the piece into an Amazing Technicolor Extravaganza. You may know this piece well and are looking forward to marveling at it anew. Otherwise, you are new to Pictures and in that case, oh how jealous I am of you!