Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini: Masterworks

  • Sat, Oct 28, 8 pm

    Mahaffey Theater

  • Sun, Oct 29, 2 pm

    Mahaffey Theater

Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini: Masterworks

Michael Francis conducts international award-winning pianist Yulianna Avdeeva for Rachmaninoff’s beautiful variations on a striking melody by violin virtuoso Paganini. The most famous by far is the sweeping 18th variation, instantly recognizable from romantic films and pop culture. Inspired by comic book hero Superman, Michael Daugherty’s Metropolis Symphony stands out as a vibrant piece of American culture: “Daugherty is an extension of Dvorak and Copland but with a dash of DC Marvel comics and Andy Warhol thrown in,” Maestro Francis says. The program concludes with Ravel’s La Valse, a passionate waltz that Ravel himself described as “a dancing, whirling, almost hallucinatory ecstasy.”

Bonus! For every Masterworks concert, Michael Francis has personally chosen a surprise “mystery piece” to enhance the live experience. What will it be this weekend?

Classical Kids & Teens: Kids and teens ages 5-18 get in free to all Masterworks concerts with Classical Kids tickets, thanks in part to the generous support of an anonymous donor. At least one paying adult purchase is required per order, and other restrictions apply. These tickets are available in advance only through The Florida Orchestra Ticket Center. For more information and tickets, call 727.892.3337.

Yulianna Avdeeva plays the Steinway Piano from the Music Gallery, exclusive agents for Steinway & Sons.
SHELDON ARTISTS LLC/ R. Douglas Sheldon
Ms. Avdeeva’s recordings are available on ECM, Deutsche Grammophon, Mirare and Pentatone.

Haga clic aquí para español

Rapsodia Sobre un Tema de Paganini

Michael Francis dirige a la pianista Yulianna Avdeeva, galardonada internacionalmente, para las hermosas variaciones de Rachmaninoff sobre una sorprendente melodía del virtuoso del violín Paganini. La más famosa, con diferencia, es la amplia variación 18, reconocible al instante en las películas románticas y la cultura pop. Inspirada en el héroe del cómic Superman, la Sinfónica Metropolis de Michael Daugherty se destaca como una pieza vibrante de la cultura estadounidense: “Daugherty es una extensión de Dvorak y Copland, pero con un toque de cómics de DC Marvel y Andy Warhol”, dice el maestro Francis. El programa concluye con La Valse de Ravel, un vals apasionado que el propio Ravel describió como “un éxtasis danzante, giratorio, casi alucinatorio”.

¡”Prima – Bonus”! Para cada concierto de Masterworks, Michael Francis ha elegido personalmente una “pieza misteriosa” sorpresa para mejorar la experiencia en vivo. ¿Qué será este fin de semana?

Michael Daugherty
(b. 1954)
Metropolis Symphony ♪
1. Lex
2. Krypton
3. Mxyzptlk
4. Oh, Lois!
5. Red Cape Tango

– Intermission –

Sergei Rachmaninoff
(1873-1943)
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op.43 ♫
Yulianna Avdeeva, piano

Maurice Ravel
(1875-1937)
La Valse

♪ Music represented by Subito Music for Peer Classical
♫ Music represented by Boosey & Hawkes, Inc.

Program Notes

Author Kurt Loft, freelance writer and former music critic for The Tampa Tribune, provides detailed and informative program notes about the pieces on this program. Click here to read online.

Printable Program

Click here for a printable version of the repertoire and program notes.

Audio Program Notes

Listen to the audio version of the program notes, with music excerpts.

Listen on Spotify

Yulianna Avdeeva on YouTube

Pre-Concert Conversations

Get the real story behind the composers and their music, straight from the conductor and guest soloists. Starts one hour before each Masterworks concert in the theater. Included free with each concert ticket. 

Sponsored by Smith & Associates Real Estate

Artists

Learn more about the artists performing on this program.

TFO is grateful to our special patron, donor and
generous sponsor of this concert
Dr. Robert H. Wharton, Jr.

Thank you to our generous donors.
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Thank you to our generous corporate partners.
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Join our family of donors today.
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  • Sat, Oct 28, 8 pm

    Mahaffey Theater

  • Sun, Oct 29, 2 pm

    Mahaffey Theater

The Hough Family
Music Director Sponsor

Sponsor: Pre-Concert Conversation

Sponsored in part by the State of Florida through the Division of Arts and Culture and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Official bank of The Florida Orchestra

Media Partners


Photography and video and audio recording will occur at this event. Your attendance serves as your implied consent for The Florida Orchestra to use your image in institutional and marketing materials.