Rising stars pay tribute to Russian masters

Conducted by young talent Dong Chao, the Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra (SZSO) will perform works by Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich this Friday evening. Award-winning cellist Jérémy Garbarg and pianist Gai Ming’ai will be featured soloists.

A poster for Friday's concert. File photos

Opening the concert is the “Polonaise” from Tchaikovsky’s opera “Eugene Onegin.” Known for its lively melodies, rich harmonies, and vibrant orchestration, the piece reflects the elegance of an upper-class 18th-century Russian ball. In just four minutes, Tchaikovsky’s craftsmanship brings this glitzy scene to life.

Next on the program is Tchaikovsky’s “Piano Concerto No.1 in B-flat Minor, Op. 23,” the composer’s most performed piano concerto. Known for its dramatic, poetic, and expressive qualities, it opens with a stunningly dramatic theme that many may recognize, even if unfamiliar with the piece. 

Gai Ming'ai

Friday’s performance will feature pianist Gai Ming’ai, the first underage pianist signed by Blüthner Irmler. At just 17, Gai studies under Professor Jiang Chen at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music and has already earned accolades, including junior champion at the 7th Irmler (Qingdao) International Piano Competition and winner of the 9th International Chopin Piano Competition in Romania.

In the second half of the concert, the program features “Folk Feast” from Shostakovich’s “The Gadfly Suite,” “Waltz No. 2” from his “Jazz Suite No. 2,” and his “Cello Concerto No. 1 in E-flat Major, Op. 107.”

“The Gadfly Suite,” drawn from Shostakovich’s score for the 1955 film “The Gadfly” -- a swashbuckling costume drama set in 1830s Italy -- includes 12 sections. “Folk Feast,” a lively depiction of a bustling country fair, is a staple of orchestras worldwide.

One of Shostakovich’s most popular works, “Waltz No. 2” deviates from the traditional waltz style, though it retains a waltz-like rhythm and captivating melody.

Jérémy Garbarg

Premiered in 1959 to immediate acclaim, Shostakovich’s cello concerto is regarded as one of the 20th century’s finest cello works. Uniquely, its main cadenza appears not in the opening movement but as a bridge to the finale. French cellist Jérémy Garbarg, a member of the Arod Quartet and recipient of the 2019 Adami Classical Revelation award, will take the spotlight for this piece. 

Dong Chao

Conductor Dong Chao, the resident conductor of the Xi’an Symphony Orchestra, has earned international recognition, including the Special Mention Award at the 58th Besançon International Young Conductors Competition in 2023 and third prize at the 2024 Danish Malko Conducting Competition.

Time: 8 p.m., Nov. 22

Tickets: 50-880 yuan

Venue: Shenzhen Concert Hall, Futian District (深圳音乐厅)   

Metro: Line 3 or 4 to Children’s Palace Station (少年宫站), Exit D