Tonight’s SPAC show is a U.S. exclusive
Yannick is back, and top pianist Beatrice Rana came from Italy just for us — oh, what a night.
Between Philadelphia Orchestra Music and Artistic Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin’s return to SPAC (for two nights only!), and being the only U.S. stop this summer for one of the most talked-about pianists, it’s a great night to head over to SPAC.
George Balanchine stans (including New York City Ballet diehards) know The Firebird ballet, but the music alone is dramatic and wonderful. Tonight’s evening begins with Igor Stravinsky’s score in all its glory.
Then Italian pianist Beatrice Rana takes the stage. Her SPAC return is the the first time in more than a decade (and second time ever).
“The first time she performed here she was brand-new on the scene,” SPAC President Christopher Shiley tells the Dispatch. “Since then, she's gone to have an amazing solo career.”
Rana will perform Rachmaninoff’s dazzling Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini.
“She's considered one of the top solo pianists of her generation,” Shiley says. “She's put out incredible albums. She's also based in Italy and is not Stateside very often — we are actually her only summer date in the States this year. We’re really excited to have her back with us.”
To close out the show, Nézet-Séguin will lead the orchestra through the rarely-performed Second Symphony by William Grant Still.
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