This week, music from renowned classical artists from around the globe: from superstar conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen to #SongsofComfort with master cellist Yo-Yo Ma, discover these classics from the comfort of your front row seat on your sofa.
A personal message to The Soraya patrons comes to us directly from Israel
In lieu of their April 5, 2020 Violins of Hope concert at The Soraya, The Jerusalem Quartet has curated a digital concert for us, and violist Ori Kam elevates your listening experience by sharing his thoughts about the compositions they’ve put together. Ori provides us a virtual master class about Mozart, Shostakovich, Brahms, and Debussy.
Mozart – String Quartet in D Minor, K. 421
Shostakovich – String Quartet in F Major, Op. 73
Brahms – String Quartet in A Minor, Op. 51, No. 2
Debussy – String Quartet in G Minor, Op. 10
III. Adantino, dociment expressif
Listen tonight at 6 PM on KUSC
Esa-Pekka Salonen needs no introduction. The Maestro and long-time L.A. fixture has performed at The Soraya twice, and is scheduled to be back again next year. Salonen joined KUSC’s Brian Laritzen this week for a show filled with hand-picked music accompanied by Salonen’s personal commentary.
Cliburn Watch Party featuring Soraya alum Vadym Kholodenko
Pianist Vadym Kholodenko made his L.A. debut at The Soraya in 2016, shortly after The Cliburn gold medalist exploded onto the international scene. His heart-rending performance received one of the warmest and longest ovations of any concert in the venue’s history. Here he is, giving his original victory concert after winning The Cliburn. In particular, his performance of Stravinsky’s Petrushka at the end is one of the most stunningly lively I have ever witnessed.
Bach-Siloti – Prelude in B Minor, BWV 855a
Beethoven – Sonata No. 30 in E Major, Op. 109
Stravinsky – Trois mouvements de Petrouchka
#SongsofComfort with Yo-Yo Ma
In The Soraya’s history, few things can compare to Yo-Yo Ma’s 2015 appearance. In the present moment, he is the artist we turn to for comfort, hope, and inspiration. Follow him on social media for his #songsofcomfort. Ma’s recording of the Bach Cello Suites is one of the most frequently played in my personal collection. He recorded them twice, and the version I listen to is from 1998. If you don’t own this, order it now.