Wagner - Prelude to Die Meistersinger
Stravinsky - Divertimento from Fairy's Kiss
Tchaikovsky - Symphony No. 4

Jose Luis-Novo, Guest Conductor

The broad majestic themes from the Prelude to Wagner's comedic opera, Die Meistersinger, serve as an exciting opening to the 2011-12 season. Stravinsky's mystifying Divertimento then follows from the ballet, The Fairy's Kiss.  Stravinsky's piece has been recognized as an homage to the passionate Russian composer, Tchaikovsky.  Evidently, in his youth, Stravinsky was so impressed by Tchaikovsky that he specifically incorporated several melodies and harmonic progressions from Tchaikovsky's early work into Divertimento.  Tchaikovsky's gripping Symphony #4 appropriately follows.  It opens ominously with a "Fate" motif reminiscent of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony and in Tchaikovsky's own words, "This is fate...an invincible force that can never be overcome - merely endured, miserably."                   Program Notes

Theofanidis - Rainbow Body
Sibelius - Violin Concerto*
Strauss - Also sprach Zarathustra

Gerhardt Zimmerman, Guest Conductor

Determined by popular vote and expert panel, the 2003 London Masterprize winner Rainbow Body is a Tulsa premiere.  This vibrant, existential piece with more than 80 performances in its first two years has earned its American composer, Christopher Theofanidis, international fame.  Equally brilliant young violin virtuoso and Crescendo Award winner Siwoo Kim follows with one of the greatest romantic concertos in the violin repertoire.  The well-known Sprach Zarathustra conclues as the finale and although entitled "Sunrise"  for the film score, Sprach Zarathustra is a well-recognized piece to fans of Stanley Kubrick's 1968 film 2001: A Space Odyssey.
                                                    * Featuring Crescendo Awards Winner, Siwoo Kim
                                                                                         Program Notes

Respighi - Gli Uccelli (The Birds)
Beethoven - Piano Concerto No. 2*
Schumann - Symphony No.3 (Rhenish)

Andrew Grams, Guest Conductor

It was Respighi's fascination with ancient dances and songs that inspired him to write his suite for small orchestra, The Birds (Gli Uccelli). His transcription of the voices of blissful birds is truly inspired.  The joy continues with the B-flat major Piano Concerto, an important display piece for Beethoven which marked the beginning of unique mood contrasts he would be known for in later works.  Beethoven sought to establish himself as a young soloist and composer and thus performed as the soloist himself at the concerto's premiere in Vienna on March 29, 1795.  Concluding the concert is Robert Schumann's Symphony No. 3, Rhenish.  Inspired by his trip to the Rhineland with his wife Clara, critics agree it is one of his best musical compositions.
                                          * Featuring Crescendo Awards Winner, Shijun Wang
                                                                                  Program Notes

Harris - Symphony No. 3
Copland - Suite from Billy the Kid
Grofe - Grand Canyon Suite

Timothy Muffitt, Guest Conductor

With a classical American feel, the concert will open with Oklahoma composer Harris' Symphony No. 3.  Then, experience the breath taking, innovative art form of Westwater Symphonic Photochoreography on the big screen.  Choreographed and performed live to the music of Aaron Copland's Billy the Kid, it's a musical and visual masterpiece!  And like walking into the sunset, the concert concludes with Ferde Grofe's colorful tone painting, "The Grand Canyon Suite."      Program Notes

Mahler - Symphony No. 3
Featuring: Tulsa Oratorio Chorus, Tulsa Youth Opera, Tulsa Boys Singers, and Tulsa Children's Chorus

Daniel Hege, Guest Conductor

Don't miss this Tulsa premiere! Whether it is racing at the speed of light or floating through time and space, Mahler's Symphony No. 3 transports listeners into the composer's world of imagination through sound.  It is performed less frequently than other Mahler symphonies, due in large part to the huge forces required.  Despite this, it is a popular work and has been recorded by most major orchestras and conductors.  Hear it live and experience this historic musical event.         Program Notes

Call 918-584-3645 or email tickets@tulsasymphony.org to reserve your seats