Sat, Feb 22, 8 pm
Mahaffey Theater
Sun, Feb 23, 2 pm
Mahaffey Theater
Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1: Masterworks
Michael Francis welcomes world-renowned soloist Olga Kern to perform one of the most memorable passages in music, Tchaikovsky’s striking Piano Concerto No. 1. This epic concert also features William Walton’s Belshazzar’s Feast, which brings back baritone Donnie Ray Albert and The Master Chorale of Tampa Bay. The dramatic oratorio is sure to bring down the house.
We’re full of surprises. Every Masterworks concert has a surprise inside – a short mystery piece that connects to the program in an unexpected way. Each one is Michael Francis’ little secret.
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.
Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
(1840-1893)
Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat minor, Op.23
I. Allegro non troppo e molto maestoso
II. Andantino semplice
III. Allegro con fuoco
Olga Kern, piano
Olga Kern plays the Steinway Piano from the Music Gallery, exclusive agents for Steinway & Sons.
– Intermission –
William Walton
(1902-1983)
Belshazzar’s Feast ♩
1. Thus Spake Isaiah
2. If I Forget Thee
3. Babylon Was a Great City
4. In Babylon Belshazzar the King
5. Praise Ye the God of Gold
6. Thus in Babylon, the Mighty City
7. And in That Same Hour
8. Then Sing Aloud to God Our Strength
9. The Trumpeters and Pipers
10. Then Sing Aloud to God Our Strength
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
On the Blog
This weekend The Master Chorale of Tampa Bay and TFO join forces in a whopper: William Walton’s epic Belshazzar’s Feast. It’s your chance to hear a dynamic masterpiece that’s rarely performed. Learn more from writer Kurt Loft on TFO’s Blog.
Olga Kern Video
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 The Ruth & J O Stone Foundation
Artists
Learn more about the artists performing on this program.
With gratitude to Dr. Gordon Gilbert and Michele Gilbert,
generous patrons, donors and sponsors of this concert.
This concert is part of
The St. Petersburg Celebration of the Arts.
Thank you to our generous donors. | Thank you to our generous corporate partners. | Join our family of donors today. |
Sat, Feb 22, 8 pm
Mahaffey Theater
Sun, Feb 23, 2 pm
Mahaffey Theater
The Hough Family
Music Director Sponsor
PNC – proud partner 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.
Dates, programs, artists and venues are subject to change. All sales are final. Sorry, no refunds. The Florida Orchestra does not authorize third-party ticket resales. Tickets purchased from unauthorized sources may be invalid and will not be accepted. To guarantee entry, always purchase directly from FloridaOrchestra.org or our Ticket Center.