Hamilton, ON – The Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra launches its 2015-16 Concert Season at FirstOntario Concert Hall (formerly Hamilton Place) on Saturday, September 19 at 7:30pm. Opening Night: Chopin & Beethoven is a rich and lyrical program featuring Canadian pianist Janina Fialkowska, and the masterful works of Chopin and Beethoven conducted by Symphony Nova Scotia’s Music Director Bernhard Gueller.
Beloved around the world for her exquisite pianism, Janina Fialkowska has enchanted audiences for almost 40 years with her glorious lyrical sound, her sterling musicianship and her profound sense of musical integrity. Blending her vast experience with a refreshingly natural approach “Fialkowska has become an artist of rare distinction as well as retaining all the virtuosity of her youth” (La Presse, Montreal).
Fialkowska is celebrated for her interpretations of the classical and romantic repertoire, and is particularly distinguished as one of the great interpreters of the piano works of Chopin. The HPO kicks off their 2015-16 Season with Fialkowska performing the music she’s best known for, Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 1. Composed when he was just 19, this piece encapsulates the Romantic spirit at its best, characterized by Chopin’s piano writing of imagination and beauty.
Perhaps the least known and performed of all his symphonies, Beethoven’s Fourth Symphony is frequently overshadowed by the more dynamic Third and Fifth. Following the monumental Eroica in chronology but not in style, it has often been observed that Beethoven’s even-numbered symphonies and concertos tend to be more lyrical and less aggressive than their odd-numbered counterparts. Beethoven wrote the piece during a late-summer stay at the palace of Count Franz von Oppersdorff, to whom the work was eventually dedicated. The piece premiered at a private concert at the Lobkowitz Palace in Vienna, along with the first performance of the Fourth Piano Concerto.
Don’t miss these great orchestral works as the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra continues its most cherished fall tradition with Opening Night and marks the beginning of an extraordinary 2015-16 Season.
Ticket Information
Single tickets for Opening Night: Chopin & Beethoven are $23 to $67 (plus applicable taxes and fees) and are available online at staginghpo.wpengine.com, by calling 905.526.7756 or in person at the HPO Box Office in FirstOntario Concert Hall (formerly Hamilton Place) at 10 MacNab Street South or FirstOntario Concert Hall (formerly Hamilton Place) Box Office the evening of the concert.
Special hpoGO tickets for the under 35 crowd are $17 (plus applicable taxes and fees) and can be purchased online, over the phone, or in person. To receive special discounts and invitations to special events, under 35 patrons can sign up online at staginghpo.wpengine.com.
HPO at the Library
In partnership with the Hamilton Public Library, this FREE program features HPO musicians and guest artists in an intimate community setting. Hear guest artist Janina Fialkowska talk about life as a concert pianist and learn more about why she loves the music of Chopin.
Friday, September 18, 12:45 to 1:30pm
Central Branch, Hamilton Public Library (55 York Blvd.)
Reserve your Table before the Concert
The Dinner and a Concert package offers guests a fabulous three course, prix-fixe dinner at one of Hamilton’s local restaurants, followed by an evening of great music with the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra. Each restaurant is conveniently located within half a kilometre from FirstOntario Concert Hall (formerly Hamilton Place) with public parking nearby. Call the HPO Box Office at 905.526.7756 to reserve your table.
Incognito Restaurant & Wine Bar – $65
93 John St. S.
The Hamilton Club – $85
6 Main St. E
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Media Contact:
Diana Weir, Director of Communications and Development| Tel: 905.526.1677 x230 | Email: dweir@hpo.org
The Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra was founded in 1884 as The Hamilton Orchestral Society and grew to become one of Canada’s major professional orchestras. Today, the HPO is a leader in Hamilton’s robust arts community where it provides professional orchestral services and music education programs to address the needs of the community. The HPO continues to commission and premiere works and is one of the artistic jewels of the Hamilton area. The combined musical talents of its artists continue to enrich the community and enhance the quality of life for its residents.