Crouching Tiger

What an exciting concert to begin the season! We are pleased to have the unbelievable virtuoso George Gao return to Sudbury to perform the unique and haunting Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon Suite for erhu and orchestra. This music evokes the exotic world of Chinese wuxia fairy tale about legend, loss, and love, created by film composer Tan Dun – a unique opportunity to Sudbury audiences, and music lovers everywhere.

Following this magical first half, we move to the magic of a different kind. The skill of the great German composer Johannes Brahms was a marvel in its time and still is today. His first symphony, fastidiously written over the course of 21 years (from sketches to finishing touches), was in many ways his tribute to Beethoven, and though he draws inspiration from the masterworks of Ludwig, this first symphony is still very much the fresh and sweeping music of Brahms.

Featuring:

George Gao (erhu)

Programme:

• Calixa Lavallée: O Canada
• Chantale Laplante: À travers champs
• Tan Dun: Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon Suite, concerto for erhu and orchestra
• —Intermission—
• Johannes Brahms: Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Op. 68

About the guest artist:

Hailed as one of the most exciting, innovative and respected erhu masters today, the Gemini Award nominated erhu master George Gao began studying the erhu at the age of six, a few years later, he won First Prize at the Shanghai Junior Instrumental Soloist Competition and a Silver Medal at the China National Junior Instrumental Soloist Contest in 1982. In 1985, he swept the three highest prizes of the Beijing China National Invitational erhu Competition. In 1999, He won a Recognition Award for his appearance at the 13th World Festival for Young Students in Pyongyang, North Korea.

Sponsored by:

Xstrata Nickel

Masterworks Concert Series Sponsor:

Petryna Advertising

Reception Sponsored by:

Simon's Gallery Grill