Welcome 2020 with this Philadelphia Orchestra in Concert re-broadcast on January 5th at 1 PM when we look to the Latin south, with music inspired by the rhythms of the Cuban rumba, the Argentine tango, and other exotic Latin dances.
The Cuban Overture of George Gershwin gets the concert off to a pulsing start, with an assortment of percussion instruments, Caribbean melodies, and vibrant dance rhythms, all inspired by a trip Gershwin made to Havana in 1932.
Then it’s the visceral and exciting Harp Concerto by the celebrated Argentinian composer Alberto Ginastera, an iconic work from the mid-twentieth century that was premiered by The Philadelphia Orchestra in 1965 on a commission from the Orchestra’s former Principal Harp Edna Phillips. This brilliant work is performed by the current principal harp, Elizabeth Hainen.
The reputation of Ginastera’s somewhat younger compatriot Astor Piazzolla continues to soar. And following intermission, we’ll be treated to the allure of the tango in the first of two compositions that are given their first Philadelphia Orchestra performances – the sultry Tangazo, one of Piazzolla’s late compositions.
The concert concludes with Perú negro by the young Peruvian composer Jimmy López. It’s a celebration of Afro-Peruvian traditions, and the work honors López’s compatriot, today’s guest conductor, Miguel Harth-Bedoya, by using a four-note theme based on his initials.
During intermission, WRTI’s Debra Lew Harder will speak backstage with Elizabeth Hainen, and Susan Lewis will talk about the program with Maestro Harth-Bedoya.
That’s Sunday, January 5th from 1 to 3 PM, on WRTI 90.1, and streaming worldwide at WRTI.org and the WRTI app.
Listen again on January 6th at 7 PM on WRTI HD-2 and the All-Classical Stream at WRTI.org.
PROGRAM
Gershwin: Cuban Overture
Ginastera: Harp Concerto, Op. 25
Elizabeth Hainen, harp
INTERMISSION
Piazzola: Tangazo (First Philadelphia Orchestra performance)
López: Perú negro (First Philadelphia Orchestra performance)
The Philadelphia Orchestra
Miguel Harth-Bedoya, conductor
***********************
Gregg Whiteside is producer and host of the Philadelphia Orchestra in Concert broadcasts, every Sunday at 1 PM on WRTI 90.1, streaming online at WRTI.org, and on our mobile app! Listen again on Mondays at 7 PM on WRTI HD-2
