Classical Music The Philadelphia Orchestra

The Philadelphia Orchestra
Yannick Nézet-Séguin, Music and Artistic Director and Conductor

BRAHMS Symphony No. 2
BRAHMS Symphony No. 4

Since its creation in 1900, The Philadelphia Orchestra has been a global symbol of artistic excellence and an essential part of American musical life. Now in his 13th season with this legendary ensemble, music and artistic director Yannick Nézet-Séguin has nurtured and transformed the brilliant “Philadelphia Sound” in bold and revolutionary ways. The New York Times has called him “phenomenal,” adding that “the ensemble, famous for its glowing strings and homogenous richness, has never sounded better.”

What better artists, then, to interpret and perform two of the mightiest symphonic masterpieces of the repertory: Brahms’ Second and Fourth Symphonies, with their miraculous fusion of classical clarity and Romantic passion? Listening to the Second Symphony is like taking a lovely, contemplative hike through forests and meadows that is occasionally threatened by ominous clouds. The Fourth Symphony, perhaps Brahms’ best-loved and most often performed, is darker, almost tragic, but also transcendental and considered the pinnacle of his symphonic achievements.

PRESHOW CLASSICAL CONVERSATIONS
One hour prior to this performance, join us in the Peacock Education Center for Classical Conversations, an exciting, behind-the-scenes look at the musicians, composers and history of what the audience will hear during the concert.