Our evening concert will open with Smetana’s poem “The Moldau” from his famous set “My Homeland” (Czech: Má vlast). The main theme emphatically runs through the whole piece and represents the author’s adaptation of the Italian renaissance melody “La Mantovana” which is also the basis for the Israeli national anthem, Hatikvah.    

The second work will be Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18. This piece was composed between 1901 and 1902, after Rachmaninoff had experienced a deep creative crisis, and consequently coincided in time with his relief. Moreover, this romantic concert in three movements reflects the melancholy that accompanied Rachmaninoff for a long time. Tonight this work will be performed by the internationally renowned pianist Andrei Gavrilov.   

Afterwards, the orchestra will dedicate itself to the symphonic work of Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov: the musicians will perform Scheherazade, a tale from 1001 nights. King Shahryar, who became convinced of the disloyalty of his brides, vowed that he would execute a new bride every day, was however saved by Scheherazade, being captivated by her tales. Scheherazade is a masterful symphony full of harmony and longing where the last word retains the “eternal” solo violin melody embodying Scheherazade’s soft voice.