Pianist Andrew Staupe opens the Glacier Symphony concert with his masterful interpretation of Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 1.
The Glacier Symphony offers a Valentine treat with “Romancing the Soul,” 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 17, at Flathead High School Performance Hall in Kalispell.
Guest pianist Andrew Staupe, will open the concert with his masterful interpretation of Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 1.
“I always enjoy performing with Andrew. He is excellent and one of my favorite pianists who will bring his full powers to realize the deep beauty of this impressively poetic piece,” says Maestro John Zoltek.
Although the orchestra also performs, the concerto’s primary focus is on the piano throughout its 40-minute length.
“The orchestra, although present, takes a largely subsidiary role, creating much more of a subtly supportive accompaniment rather than the usual musical dialogue and exchange.”
Zoltek notes that this Chopin concerto gives lovers of piano music a real taste of Chopin’s virtuosity as a young pianist destined to make his mark on the musical scene in early 19th century Paris. “The work literally glistens with poetic lines set in the brilliant original piano techniques and colors of Chopin!”
The symphony takes center stage in “Scheherazade,” the dynamic and colorful orchestral suite by Russian composer and master of orchestration, Rimsky-Korsakov. Considered one of the most popular showpieces of classical music, the gorgeous melodies, exotic orchestral colors and vibrant rhythms take listeners to the imaginary world of “One Thousand and One Nights,” upon which the musical work was inspired.
“Sheherazade” is so impactful that it often serves as a “gateway,” or first step towards the appreciation and love of romantic classical music. “This is an exciting and beautiful piece that has immediate audience appeal,” says Zoltek. “It literally reaches out and creates a dramatic setting with its very first notes and phrases.“
Concertmaster Sally Jerde will be in the spotlight playing a number of rhapsodic solo violin passages, he adds.
To purchase tickets visit www.glaciersymphony.org or call 406-407-7000. Free youth tickets are available for this concert through the symphony’s Youth Music Experience program; please call ahead for reservations.
About Andrew Staupe
Pianist Andrew Staupe is emerging as one of the distinctive voices of a new generation of pianists. He has appeared as soloist with the Baltimore Symphony, San Diego Symphony, Minnesota Orchestra, Houston Symphony, Fort Worth Symphony, Colorado Symphony, Indianapolis Symphony, Utah Symphony, Arkansas Symphony, Tallahassee Symphony, and many other orchestras throughout the United States. He has performed extensively in Europe, as well.
An avid chamber musician, Staupe has jammed with legendary vocalist Bobby McFerrin, played tangos with the Assad Brothers, and has performed with Chee-Yun, Sharon Robinson, Martin Chalifour, Jessica Rivera, Desmond Hoebig, James Dunham, and Joseph Swensen. He’s an assistant professor of piano at the University of Utah, and gives frequent master classes around the country.