May 2024 concert preview

Pam Hahn/Vanja Gjumar Nikolovski

Our "Celebrate!" concert coming up on Sunday, May 5 is our Season 31 finale. Maestro Nikolovski shares his thoughts on this great program.

Q: Beyond the obvious programming of Tchaikovsky’s Fifth on May Fifth, what made you decide to start our next concert with this symphony?
A: Simply, to finish the season with a grandiose symphony is the best reward for both the audience and orchestra. We begin with this piece first because if its complexity, length and required concentration to deliver it properly.

Q: What has been the most challenging piece for the orchestra on this program, and why?
A: Definitely the most challenging piece is the Copland [El Salon Mexico], because of the constant rhythmic changes and irregular metric structure throughout the entire composition.

Q: Can you spill one significant item on next season's program list that you're really excited about?
A: I am honestly excited about the whole season, but one significant piece I will choose is the Symphonie Fantastique by Berlioz that is scheduled for the September 8 program.