Catch This: Russian National Orchestra at Benaroya

Today in local music....

Concert-goers have the rare opportunity to see the Russian National Orchestra, as part of Seattle Symphony's Visiting Orchestra Series at Benaroya Hall. Conductor Mikhail Pletnev will lead the orchestra through three exceptionally powerful works: Tchaikovsky's Elegy for String Orchestra; Dvořák's Cello Concerto in B minor, Op. 104, with soloist Sergey Antonov; and Shostakovich's Symphony No. 9 in E-flat major, Op. 70.

In particular, The Shostakovich Symphony and the Dvořák Cello Concerto promise a spectacular experience for the audience. These are large, challenging works; hearing them performed live in a concert hall by an internationally reknowned orchestra is an experience not to be missed.

cellist Sergey Antonov

Some additional details on the group from the press release:

The Russian National Orchestra (RNO) was founded in 1990. Unique among the principal Russian orchestras, the RNO is independent of the government, supported instead by private funding and governed by a distinguished multinational board of trustees. The RNO was the first Russian orchestra to perform at the Vatican and in Israel, and maintains an active international tour schedule, appearing regularly in Europe, Asia and the Americas. In 2001, the RNO created Cultural Allies, an ongoing program that fosters exchange between artists in Russia and the West, as well as the commission of new works. In 2004, the RNO became the first Russian orchestra to win a Grammy Award with its recording of Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf and Beintus’ Wolf Tracks, conducted by Kent Nagano and narrated by Sophia Loren, Bill Clinton and Mikhail Gorbachev. Their 1999 recording of Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6 earned a spot on Gramophone’s 100 Greatest Recordings list with the magazine’s praise, “an awe-inspiring experience. Should human beings be able to play like this?”

Tickets range from $32 to $106.