Cast and Creative Team

• Conductor • SEMYON BYCHKOV
• Piano • BEATRICE RANA
• Soprano • STEFANIE IRANYI
• Tenor • MARTIN MITTERRUTZNER
• Bass • JONGMIN PARK

Program

• Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy: Symphony No. 4 in A major, Op. 90 (“Italian”)
• Maurice Ravel: Concerto in G major for piano
• Igor Stravinsky: Pulcinella, Ballet in one act

This concert by the Česká Filharmonie (Czech Philharmonic) under the direction of Semyon Bychkov presents a versatile program that highlights different eras and styles of classical music:

• Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy (1809-1847): Symphony No. 4 in A major, Op. 90 (“Italian”) This symphony is one of Mendelssohn’s most beloved works, composed after his travels through Italy. It is known for its lively, sunny melodies and its joyful, optimistic mood. The first movement captures the energy of an Italian landscape, while the second movement evokes a pilgrims’ march. The third movement is an elegant minuet, and the final saltarello bursts with Italian temperament.
• Maurice Ravel (1875-1937): Concerto in G major for piano Ravel’s Piano Concerto is a 20th-century masterpiece that blends jazz elements with neoclassical elegance. It is known for its dazzling orchestration, virtuosic piano passages, and lyrical second movement. The concerto demands both technical brilliance and deep musical sensitivity from the soloist.
• Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971): Pulcinella, Ballet in one act “Pulcinella” is a key work of Stravinsky’s Neoclassicism. It is based on themes he attributed to Pergolesi and other 18th-century composers. Stravinsky re-arranged and re-orchestrated these pieces, creating a work that combines the charm of the Baroque with his own distinctive modern touch. The ballet tells the story of the Commedia dell’arte character Pulcinella and is full of wit, energy, and melodic richness. The vocal contributions of the soloists add a special dimension to the work.

Semyon Bychkov is a world-renowned Russian-American conductor and has been the Chief Conductor and Music Director of the Česká Filharmonie since 2018. He is known for his profound and nuanced interpretations of a wide repertoire, from the Romantics to 20th-century composers.

Beatrice Rana is an internationally acclaimed Italian pianist, known for her exceptional technique, musical intelligence, and captivating interpretations. She has quickly established herself as one of the leading pianists of her generation.

Stefanie Iranyi (soprano), Martin Mitterrutzner (tenor), Jongmin Park (bass) are respected opera singers who add a vocal dimension to the “Pulcinella” ballet.