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The Mystery Behind Scriabin’s Mystic Chord
Explore the life of Russian composer Alexander Scriabin, his obsession with the occult, and his creation of the "mystic chord" used in his compositions.
Alexander Borodin Goes to Broadway
Explore how Borodin's Polovtsian Dances from Prince Igor made Broadway history in Kismet, winning multiple Tony Awards, including a posthumous one for Borodin.
Lara Downes Takes a Broad Look at the American Dream
Lara Downes' new CD, "America Again," explores the American dream through diverse American composers, inspired by the Charleston shootings.
“Rake’s Progress” at Merola
Merola Opera Program's young singers present Stravinsky’s The Rake’s Progress. Tenor Christopher Oglesby, who's been singing for three years, plays lead role Tom Rakewell.
Exploring Shostakovich’s Quartets
The Alexander String Quartet and Robert Greenberg explore Dmitri Shostakovich's complete string quartets over two seasons at the Mondavi Center, providing context to the music.
Karen Gomyo on Shostakovich’s Powerful Violin Concerto
Violinist Karen Gomyo to perform Shostakovich's Violin Concerto with the San Francisco Symphony, exploring its secret narrative and emotional depth, in a program titled 'Banned and Boycotted'.
Symphony Parnassus Plays Pyotr, Preben, and Prokofiev
Symphony Parnassus features Tchaikovsky, Antonsen, and Prokofiev's violin concerto by Pierce Wang, a two-time winner of the Parnassus Conservatory Competition.
George Gershwin Captures the Sounds of Paris
Explore the inspiration and creation of George Gershwin's symphonic poem, An American in Paris, its initial reception, and its enduring popularity in music and film.
The Many Lives of the “The Flower Duet”
Explore the Flower Duet from Delibes' opera Lakme. Discover its use in TV, film, and creative remixes.
Beethoven’s Quartet of ‘Thanksgiving’
Beethoven's String Quartet in A Minor, Op. 132, features a movement expressing gratitude for recovery from illness. It alternates between prayerful chorales and lively sections, reflecting his mortality.
The Story Behind “Appalachian Spring,” the Ballet
Explore the history of Appalachian Spring, a ballet commissioned by Elizabeth Sprague Coolidge, composed by Aaron Copland, and choreographed by Martha Graham.
The Poetic Inspiration Behind Ralph Vaughan Williams’ “The Lark Ascending”
Explore the inspiration behind Ralph Vaughan Williams' The Lark Ascending, a violin piece based on an 1880s British poem. Discover why this music continues to captivate listeners.
Elgar’s “Enigma Variations”
Explore the intriguing history of Edward Elgar's Enigma Variations, composed in 1898-99. Discover how this piece, inspired by Elgar's friends and personal experiences, established his fame.
