December 6, 2022
(NORTH BETHESDA, MD) — The National Philharmonic (NatPhil) continues its 2022-2023 season in the New Year with two classical concerts at the Music Center at Strathmore—an orchestral program led by Music Director Piotr Gajewski and a recital featuring pianist Brian Ganz—as well as a chamber series concert at the Mexican Cultural Institute.
In February, NatPhil marks the 150th birthday of Russian composer and pianist Sergei Rachmaninoff with a program that features two of his most recognizable works: Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, with piano soloist Claire Huangci, and Symphony No. 2. Later that month, pianist Brian Ganz continues his odyssey through the complete works of Frédéric Chopin, this time joined by two special guests: violinist Laura Colgate, concertmaster of NatPhil, and cellist Carter Brey, principal cellist of the New York Philharmonic.
Also in February, NatPhil musicians perform a chamber music program that showcases works by four American living composers: Lori Laitman, Eric Ewazen, Carson Cooman, and Barbara Harbach. All pieces by these composers are inspired by and feature poetry. The NatPhil Chamber Series is curated by Concertmaster Laura Colgate and presented in partnership with the Mexican Cultural Institute.
February 2023 Full Concert Schedule:
Friday, February 3, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. at The Music Center at Strathmore
Rachmaninoff’s 150th Birthday
Piotr Gajewski, conductor
Claire Huangci, piano
Sergei Rachmaninoff deserves to be celebrated every day, but 2023 marks 150 years since his birth on April 1st, 1873. Considered one of the most influential and well-known Romantic composers, Sergei Rachmaninoff said, “Music is enough for a lifetime, but a lifetime is not enough for music.” In celebration of his 150th birthday, NatPhil presents two of his quintessential works, beginning with the familiar and beloved Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, featuring piano virtuoso Claire Huangci. Following the crowd-pleasing Rhapsody is Symphony No. 2 in E Minor, an intense piece from Rachmaninoff’s early career. Known for its memorable emotionally driven melodies, Symphony No. 2 is the perfect conclusion to a program celebrating a composer that, after a century and half, still remains inspiring to classical fans the world over.
Program:
Sergei Rachmaninoff, Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43
Sergei Rachmaninoff, Symphony No. 2, Op. 27, E minor
Sunday, February 12, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. at The Mexican Cultural Institute
NatPhil Chamber Series: Poetry in Music
Presented in Partnership with the Mexican Cultural Institute
Enjoy a concert of outstanding chamber music curated by Concertmaster Laura Colgate.
Program:
Two Dickinson Songs, Lori Laitman
To Cast a Shadow Again, Eric Ewazen (Poetry by Katherine Gekker)
Chasing the Moon Down, Carson Cooman (Poetry by Katherine Gekker)
“Emily!” based on poems by Emily Dickinson, Barbara Harbach
Four Dickinson Songs, Lori Laitman
Saturday, February 25, 2023 at 8:00 p.m. at The Music Center at Strathmore
An Evening of Chopin
Brian Ganz, piano
Laura Colgate, violin
Carter Brey, cello
The metropolitan Washington area’s favorite pianist, scholar, world-renowned instrumentalist, and passionate devotee of Frédéric Chopin, Brian Ganz continues his quest to play every note ever written by Frédéric Chopin live in concert with his 13th appearance in recital on the National Philharmonic stage. Ganz’s phenomenal interpretation of pieces from Chopin’s catalog continues to memorably knock more and more works by the Polish Romantic composer from his to-do list in the project he calls “Extreme Chopin.” Experience the passion and precision of a master and witness a man on a mission.
Program (all works by Frédéric Chopin):
Introduction and Polonaise brillante in C major for Cello and Piano, Op. 3
Trio in G minor for Piano, Violin and Cello, Op. 8
Grand Duo Concertant in E major for Cello and Piano on themes from Meyerbeer’s Robert le diable, B.70
Sonata for Cello & Piano in G minor, Op. 65
Ticket Information
Tickets ($19–$99) are available online at nationalphilharmonic.org. Kids 17 and under can attend National Philharmonic performances for free through the All Kids. All Free. All the Time. initiative.
The NatPhil Chamber Series is pay-what-you-can. Reserve your spot and contribute whatever amount makes you comfortable using the form found on this webpage.
Health and Safety Protocols
Patrons are no longer asked to show proof of vaccination to enter our venues, but we encourage everyone to stay up to date on their COVID vaccinations and boosters.
At this time, patrons are encouraged to wear masks in the venue and through the duration of NatPhil performances. The mask policy may vary by performance. For the safety of our NatPhil family, please stay home if you feel sick or present any of the symptoms of COVID-19.
For the latest safety protocols, please visit nationalphilharmonic.org/safety.
About the National Philharmonic
Celebrated for showcasing world-renowned guest artists in time-honored symphonic masterpieces, National Philharmonic continuously strives to create remarkable educational opportunities in the community while promoting diversity and representation in classical music.
National Philharmonic is an accessible, enriching component in the Greater Washington D.C. Metropolitan Area, believing that music has the power to spark imagination and shape the world around us. As the only organization with a united orchestra and chorus in the region, over the years National Philharmonic has expanded its footprint beyond its home at Strathmore, with year-round masterclasses along with Summer String and Summer Chorale Institutes for youth, armed services programs, and partnerships with community organizations. In addition to these programs, National Philharmonic fosters a love of music in young people across the region by offering free admission to all children between the ages 7 to 17 years old.
# # #
Media Contact:
Camille Cintrón Devlin
(571) 317-9317
National Philharmonic relies on the generosity of its donors to continue bringing you the music. Your contribution is critical to our continued success.