MUSIC

The Houston Symphony presents Leila Josefowicz Plus Brahms’ First.

A favorite with audiences around the world, young violinist Leila Josefowicz will join the Houston Symphony and guest Danish conductor Thomas Dausgaard for performance of Brahms on April 17, 18, 19, 2009. Also on the program will be a performance of contemporary composer John Adams’ Violin Concerto.

Josefowicz’s name stands out in the classical music world through her unique approaches to standard repertoire. She is also a proud advocate of American composers, namely John Adams, whose piece she regular plays. A winner of the 2008 MacArthur Foundation Fellowship, Leila’s talent and fresh personality keep her continually performing with leading orchestras around the world.

Dausgaard currently serves as chief conductor of the Danish National Symphony as well as Principal Conductor of the Swedish Chamber Orchestra. Although he is known for his vibrant conducting style; particularly impressive is his discography. His disc of Neilsen works triggered a nomination for a 2007 Gramophone Award. His last appearance with the Houston Symphony was in February 2007 conducting Sibelius’ Violin Concerto 

Composer John Adams says, “The violin commands incredible lyric intensity and has a fantastic capacity to deliver a white-hot message.”   The second movement of his concerto was inspired by the Pachelbel Canon.

Prelude, sponsored by Fluor, begins 50 minutes before each concert. Composer and University of Houston professor Rob Smith discusses the evolving John Adams – from his early minimalism to the lyricism of his Violin Concerto.

Conductor: Thomas Dausgaard
Guests: Leila Josefowicz (pictured, photo by Christian Steiner), violin

Program:
Nielsen: Prelude to Act II of Saul and David
Adams: Violin Concerto
Brahms: Symphony No. 1