One of the most exciting programs of the season presents virtuoso pianist Kenny Broberg, winner of the 2021 American Pianists Awards and Christel DeHaan Classical Fellowship. In partnership with the American Pianists Association, The Symphony is thrilled to introduce Broberg for two brilliant works—César Franck’s enchanting Symphonic Variations and Ernst Von Dohnányi’s delightful and witty Variations on a Nursery Tune. Rounding out this afternoon of great music is Igor Stravinsky’s magical Firebird: Suite—the first international success of his career.
EXCITING NEWS—We are thrilled to bring back our FREE Preview Talks this season! Be sure to join us one hour before each Lensic performance for 30 minutes of interesting program details presented by Maestro Figueroa, guest soloists, or musicians. Each talk is unique and all ticket holders are invited!
The Santa Fe Symphony Orchestra
Guillermo Figueroa, Principal Conductor
Kenny Broberg, Piano
PROGRAM
CÉSAR FRANCK
Symphonic Variations
Kenny Broberg, Piano
ERNST VON DOHNÁNYI
Variations on a Nursery Song, op.25
Kenny Broberg, Piano
Intermission
GABRIEL FAURÉ
Pelléas et Mélisande, op.80: Suite
III. Sicilienne
IGOR STRAVINSKY
The Firebird: Suite
Introduction
L’Oiseau de feu et sa danse
Variation de l’oiseau de feu
Ronde de princesses
Danse infernale du roi Kastcheï
Berceuse
Finale
Of Note
Although not successful in Cesár Franck’s lifetime, Symphonic Variations became famous after the composer’s death and is performed and recorded regularly. His students were intensely loyal and played a large role in keeping his music alive. Many music critics consider him to be one of the greatest composers of organ music, second only to Bach.
Ernst von Dohnányi’s Variations on a Nursery Tune was based on Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star. Written in 1914, the work cemented the composer’s fame, although he may not have expected it to be so popular: The piece is subtitled “For the enjoyment of friends of humor, to the annoyance of others”—a phrase that was omitted from the published version.
Stravinsky was an unknown composer when Sergei Diaghilev commissioned him to write the score for The Firebird, which was based on Slavic folklore tales. Premiered for the Ballets Russes’ 1910 season, the ballet was a smash hit and made Stravinsky famous. Although written for the stage, with specific passages keyed to characters and scenes, the music became a repertory standard on its own as well.
Guillermo Figueroa, Principal Conductor
One of the most versatile and respected musical artists of his generation—renowned as conductor, violinist, violist and concertmaster—Guillermo Figueroa is the Principal Conductor of The Santa Fe Symphony Orchestra & Chorus. He also serves as the Music Director of the Music in the Mountains Festival in Colorado and Music Director of the Lynn Philharmonia in Florida, and he is the founder of the highly acclaimed Figueroa Music and Arts Project in Albuquerque.
Kenny Broberg, Pianist
During his auspicious career before winning the 2021 American Pianist Awards and Christel DeHaan Classical Fellowship, Kenny Broberg captured the silver medal at the 2017 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition and a bronze medal at the 2019 International Tchaikovsky Competition as well as prizes at the Hastings, Sydney, Seattle and New Orleans International Piano Competitions, becoming one of the most decorated and internationally renowned pianists of his generation.
Listen on Spotify
Spotify users who are logged into their account can hear full-length audio on this playlist. all other users will hear 30-second clips. Want more? Get Spotify.
Program Notes
When César Franck died in 1890 at the age of 68, he was worshiped by his students and regarded as one of the great French composers at the end of the 19th century. Fame can be a delicate matter, however: Had Franck died six years earlier, we might never have heard of him.…