J. & R. Strauss, Prokofiev, OSR & Alexandre Kantorow’s brilliance, led by Simone Young. A dazzling concert of fire, finesse & unforgettable flair.

Simone Young direction
Alexandre Kantorow piano

Johann Strauss
An der schönen blauen Donau, waltz for orchestra, Op. 314
Sergei Prokofiev
Concerto for piano and orchestra No. 3 in C major, Op. 26
Intermission
Richard Strauss
Salome, Dance of the Seven Veils, Op. 54, TrV 215
Der Rosenkavalier, Suite of waltzes No. 1, Op. 59
Der Rosenkavalier, Suite of waltzes No. 2, Op. 59

The confusion between the Strausses of Vienna and those of Munich is unfounded and their rapprochement will only last for the duration of our New Year’s concert. A famous encore of the traditional Viennese concert, An der schönen blauen Donau (The Blue Danube) by Johann Strauss Jr. will open ours, preceding a second part reserved for the two Waltz Suites that Richard Strauss took from his opera Der Rosenkavalier. Composed after the completion of Salome’s Dance of the Seven Veils is a sort of potpourri of the opera’s main themes in an oriental atmosphere, ending in a frenetic and sensual manner.
The Concerto No. 3 in C major has travelled all the continents since its author, Sergei Prokofiev, came to play it with our orchestra in 1923 under the direction of Ernest Ansermet. It has even become one’s new hobbyhorse of the piano repertoire.
Approximately 1h30 including a 20-minute intermission