Violist Roberto Díaz will bring a new viola concerto by Syrian-American composer Malek Jandali into the Rogue Valley during the Symphony’s second Masterworks concert of the season. The orchestra will bring two traditional masterworks to the stage as well with Johannes Brahms’ Tragic Overture and Ludwig von Beethoven’s Symphony No. 4.
A violist of international reputation, Roberto Díaz is president and CEO of the Curtis Institute of Music. He is also a teacher of viola at Curtis and former principal viola of the Philadelphia Orchestra. Mr. Díaz has already had a significant impact on American musical life and continues to do so in his dual roles as performer and educator. As a soloist, Mr. Díaz collaborates with leading conductors of our time on stages throughout North and South America, Europe, and Asia. Mr. Díaz will be premiering Malek Jandali’s new viola concerto. Jandali is a German born, Syrian-American, whose compositions integrate Middle-Eastern modes into Western classical forms and harmony. This is the first of two newly-commissioned works that the RVS will be presenting in their 51st season.
Jandali’s pieces range from chamber music to large-scale orchestral works, including concertos for piano, violin, and now viola. He is the founder of the nonprofit organization Pianos of Peace, a non-profit organization dedicated to building peace through music and education. In 2017, he gave a TEDx Talk about the power of music.
RVSO Conductor Martin Majkut wanted to have “two pillars of classical music supporting a new creation—this modern viola concerto.” He has been looking forward to presenting Brahms’ Tragic Overture for many years now. He loves to perform works that he has not ever done before. “It appeals to me because I have a curious mind. It is way more work but is more rewarding.” Beethoven’s Symphony No. 4 is a little lighter in tone. This will leave only 2 Beethoven symphonies not yet performed by Majkut and the Rogue Valley Symphony: Nos. 1 and 2.
Conductor Martin Majkut will give a pre-concert talk one hour before each performance.
Concerts:
Friday, October 19, SOU Music Recital Hall, Ashland, 7:30pm, Tickets range from $36-$60. Youth (ages 6-22) $15
Saturday, October 20, Craterian Theater, Medford, 7:30pm, Tickets range from $15-$53. Youth (ages 6-22) $15
Sunday, October 21, Grants Pass Performing Arts Center, Grants Pass, 3pm, Tickets range from $15-$45. Youth (ages 6-22) $15
Tickets can be purchased online at rvsymphony.org or by phone at 541-708-6400 for all performances. Medford concert tickets can also be purchased through the Craterian Theater at craterian.org or 541-779-3000.