Brahms’ Symphony No. 1: Masterworks

  • Fri, Nov 17, 8 pm

    Straz Center

  • Sat, Nov 18, 8 pm

    Mahaffey Theater

  • Sun, Nov 19, 7:30 pm

    Ruth Eckerd Hall

Brahms’ Symphony No. 1: Masterworks

In the shadow of Beethoven’s incredible success, Brahms struggled for nearly 14 years to complete his first symphony – but it was worth it. With passionate, soaring melodies and horn calls, the work is thrilling to hear live and widely considered to be one of the most significant symphonies ever written. In contrast, Chopin composed his Piano Concerto No. 2 when he was just 19. The poetic melodies will be in the hands of internationally acclaimed pianist George Li, who has been playing since age 4 and made his Carnegie Hall debut at age 11. Wagner’s Flying Dutchman Overture rounds out the program. Vladimir Kulenovic conducts.

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.

George Li plays the Steinway Piano from the Music Gallery, exclusive agents for Steinway & Sons.

Haga clic aquí para español

Sinfonía Numero 1 de Brahms

A la sombra del increíble éxito de Beethoven, Brahms luchó durante 20 años para completar su primera sinfonía, pero valió la pena. Con melodías apasionadas y altísimas y llamadas de trompa, la obra es emocionante de escuchar en vivo y es ampliamente considerada como una de las sinfonías más importantes jamás escritas. Por el contrario, Chopin compuso su Concierto para Piano Numero 2 cuando tenía solo 19 años. Las melodías poéticas estarán en manos del pianista de renombre internacional George Li, quien toca desde los 4 años y debutó en el Carnegie Hall a los 11 años. La Obertura del Holandés Errante completa el programa. Dirige Vladimir Kulenovic.

¡”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?

Richard Wagner
(1813-1883)
Overture: Flying Dutchman

Frederic Chopin
(1810-1849)
Piano Concerto No. 2 in F minor, Op. 21
I. Maestoso
II. Larghetto
III. Allegro vivace
George Li, piano

– Intermission –

Johannes Brahms
(1833-1897)
Symphony No. 1, Op. 68 in C minor
I. Un poco sostenuto; Allegro
II. Andante sostenuto
III. Un poco allegretto e grazioso
IV. Adagio; Più andante; Allegro non troppo, ma con brio

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.

On the Blog

Every composer has to start somewhere. Brahms spent more than a decade crafting his First Symphony, so it must be the best, right? Depends on whom you ask… Read more on TFO’s Blog.

Listen on Spotify

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.

The Florida Orchestra is grateful for the strong partnership and support of The City of Tampa and Mayor Jane Castor

We dedicate Saturday’s concert to generous, longtime patrons and donors, Dr. Susie Betzer and Dr. Peter Betzer

We dedicate Sunday’s concert to generous patrons and donors, James Harrison Smith & Liz Smith

Thank you to our generous donors.
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Thank you to our generous corporate partners.
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  • Fri, Nov 17, 8 pm

    Straz Center

  • Sat, Nov 18, 8 pm

    Mahaffey Theater

  • Sun, Nov 19, 7:30 pm

    Ruth Eckerd Hall

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.