CONCERT PROGRAMME
R. Schumann. Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 54
J. Strauss. Waltzes and polkas
Lithuanian State Symphony Orchestra, conducted by its Artistic Director and Chief Conductor Gintaras Rinkevičius, together with piano virtuoso Alexander Paley, visits Alytus and Rokiškis. The Vilnius-based pianist is a talented and charismatic performer who is welcomed in concert halls around the world. “I adore Maestro Gintaras Rinkevičius. I have played with many different conductors and orchestras throughout my career, but I must admit that I have never played as well as I did under the baton of the Maestro,” – says the renowned pianist.
Already in 1991, after his debut with the US National Symphony Orchestra, the “Washington Post” called Paley's performance “simply impeccable”, and he went on to perform with the world's leading orchestras. Audiences gave him a standing ovation and critics praised him for his “dazzling technical skill”, “compelling performances”, “personal interpretations” and “incredibly wide repertoire”. Over the years, A. Paley's star has not waned, with some 80 concerts a year around the world. Tonight, A. Paley will perform the Piano Concerto in A minor by the German Romantic composer Robert Schumann (1810-1856), the only piece of this genre written by the famous German Romantic composer, who was encouraged to create it by his wife, the renowned pianist Clara Schumann, who performed it on its premiere in Leipzig's Gewandhaus Concert Hall in 1841.
Lithuanian State Symphony Orchestra, conducted by its founder, artistic director and chief conductor Maestro Gintaras Rinkevičius, will also perform enchanting and timeless works by the legendary Austrian composer Johann Strauss (1825-1899), the king of waltzes, which are bursting with springtime energy, enchanting and festive atmosphere.