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February 23, 2008
Rosaria Dina Rizzo, piano7:30 p.m., Orpheum Theatre
"A most dedicated musician."
The Knox-Galesburg Symphony will feature internationally acclaimed pianist Rosaria Dina Rizzo as soloist at its Saturday, February 23 subscription concert. The concert, sponsored in part by Galesburg Cottage Hospital, will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the historic Orpheum Theatre, in Galesburg, IL. Under the direction of maestro Polay, the KGS will perform two works by Sibelius: "Finlandia" Opus 26, No. 7 and "King Christian II" Suite, Opus 27. The program also includes Mozart's "Divertimento" No. 12 in E-flat Major, KV 252. J.C. Bach's Piano Concerto in A Major will be performed by Rizzo. Rizzo is artistic director of the International "Florestano Rossomandi" Piano Competition and founder of the Florestana Rossomandi Ensemble with which she performs. The Ensemble has performed for the Roman Summer 2000 Series and the Three Tango Concerts at the American Academy in Rome. Additionally, she has performed throughout Italy and internationally at acclaimed festivals in Belgium, Croatia, Egypt, Germany, Hungary, Romania, Russia and Switzerland. Rizzo is recipient of numerous national and international prizes including a Gold Medal, as a Trio member, at the 1999 Grand Concours International in Paris. Born in Bovino-Foggia, Italy, she is a noted pianist, instructor and author. Along with her musical studies, she completed a degree in humanities graduating with honors with a specialty in "Pedagogy" at the University of Bari. Rizzo obtained two additional degrees with highest honors in piano and in chamber music. Maestro Vincenzo de Gregiruim, director of Conservatory of Music "S. Pietro a Majella" of Naples, Italy wrote, "her musical endowments and her piano technique are enriched by her knowledge, both historical and cultural." Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's (1756-91) "Divertimento" is a music genre from the 18th century. Its mood is often lighthearted. Mozart composed many different types of divertimenti, sometimes even taking the form of a small symphony ("sinfonia"). The music of Johann Christian Bach (1735-1782), son of the distinguished German composer Johann Sebastian, departs completely from the style of his father. J.C. Bach's music is typically melodic and brilliantly structured in the new "gallant" aesthetic, a style incorporating balanced phrases, emphasis on melody and accompaniment, without much contrapuntal complexity. This work, the Piano Concerto in A Major, suggests the transitional ties that bind its forward-looking contemporary placement and its immediate stylistic past. Jean Sibelius (1865-1957), one of the greatest masters of the 20th century, belonged to a generation of highly individual musical personalities. Fellow music student and writer Adolph Paul, commissioned Sibelius to compose "King Christian II" in 1897 - his first theatre piece which was premiered in 1898. Sibelius' ever-popular symphonic poem "Finlandia" was first completed in 1899. The piece was composed for a nationalistic pageant to mobilize popular opposition to the revocation of Finnish independence by Russia. "Finlandia" was often renamed during this period to avoid Russian censorship. Single concert tickets start at $8.00 and the KGS discounted 3-concert (February 23, March 29 and April 19) subscription ticket package starting as low as $20.00, is still available. Children and students are half-price. Those who purchase a discount concert ticket package are offered reduced ticket prices for the KGS May 10 "Celebrate Mom at the Pops" concert featuring jazz vocalist Semenya McCord. Tickets are available at the Orpheum Theatre Ticket Office (309-342-2299), 250 East Main St., Galesburg or at the door. On Saturday, February 23 at 10:00 a.m., Rosaria Dina Rizzo will present "Italian Music" for the Music Mornings Program at the Galesburg Public Library. Music Mornings, co-sponsored by the Knox-Galesburg Symphony and the Galesburg Public Library in cooperation with Galesburg School District 205, is a FREE concert preview for children ages preschool through 5th grade. The next Music Mornings program is slated for March 29 which will be hosted by KGS trumpet soloist David Washburn.
Mozart ~ Divertimento in E-flat Major, KV 252
Bach, JC ~ Piano Concerto in A Major
Sibelius ~ King Christian Suite II
Sibelius ~ Finlandia
Sponsored in part by Galesburg Cottage Hospital