Marin Alsop and the Philharmonia Orchestra, October 28
Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra is a work known for its explosive energy and vibrant instrumentation, and when Marin Alsop takes the podium to lead the Philharmonia Orchestra, audiences can expect a electrifying performance. Alsop, a conductor celebrated for her dynamic interpretations, will bring out the full spectrum of Bartók’s orchestral palette, creating a visually and aurally stunning experience. The first half of the program will feature Alexandre Kantorow, a pianist known for his elegance and precision, as he tackles Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 3. This concerto is a showcase for both the soloist’s technical prowess and the orchestra’s ability to match the music’s wit and charm.
The collaboration between Alsop and Prokofiev won’t end there. In March, she will return with the Philadelphia Orchestra to explore more of the composer’s works, alongside a new piece by John Adams and Gershwin’s Piano Concerto in F. Joining her will be Hayato Sumino, a pianist who gained a following after his impressive performance at the 2021 Chopin Competition. This concert promises to be a celebration of both classic and contemporary music, blending the timeless appeal of Prokofiev and Gershwin with the innovation of John Adams.
Raphaël Pichon and Orchestra of St. Luke’s, November 6
Raphaël Pichon made a memorable New York debut at Carnegie Hall last month, weaving together the music of Schubert into a compelling narrative program. Now, he returns to lead Orchestra of St. Luke’s in a new season that focuses on the works of Beethoven. The highlight of the program will undoubtedly be Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, a monumental piece that is as much a celebration of human solidarity as it is a triumph of musical artistry. Pichon will also explore lesser-known aspects of Beethoven’s oeuvre, including Friedrich Silcher’s choral arrangement of the slow movement from the Seventh Symphony and selections from the incidental music for Leonore Prohaska. These rarely heard pieces offer a fresh perspective on Beethoven’s genius and further cement his legacy as one of music’s greatest innovators.
Pichon’s ability to craft a narrative within a concert program is a testament to his skill as a storyteller and a musician. By juxtaposing the familiar grandeur of the Ninth Symphony with the hidden gems of Beethoven’s catalog, he creates a concert experience that is both educational and emotionally resonant. This is a must-attend event for Beethoven enthusiasts and anyone looking to deepen their appreciation of classical music.
Nicolas Altstaedt and Thomas Dunford, November 18
In an intimate setting at Weill Recital Hall, cellist Nicolas Altstaedt and lutenist Thomas Dunford will present a program that bridges the Baroque era with contemporary sensibilities. The duo will perform works by French composers Marin Marais and Antoine Forqueray, originally written for the viola da gamba, alongside selections from Bach’s iconic Cello Suites. This pairing of French Baroque music with Bach’s timeless compositions promises to highlight the expressive and technical qualities of both instruments.
The program also includes a movement from Henri Duparc’s Cello Sonata, a piece that carries a sense of melancholy and introspection, showcasing the emotional depth of both performers. As a nod to the residency of composer Arvo Pärt, the duo will perform a transcription of his Spiegel im Spiegel, a work known for its meditative beauty and minimalist elegance. This concert is a perfect opportunity to experience the beauty of early music through a modern lens, as well as to appreciate the artistry of two exceptional musicians.
Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, December 3
Manfred Honeck’s partnership with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra has been one of the most successful conductor-ensemble collaborations in the country. Under his leadership, the orchestra has consistently delivered performances that are both technically flawless and deeply interpretive. When they take the stage at Carnegie Hall, they will perform a program that begins with Lera Auerbach’s Frozen Dreams, a work that encapsulates the composer’s unique voice and emotional depth.
The highlight of the evening will be pianist Seong-Jin Cho’s performance of Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme by Paganini, a piece that combines virtuosic pyrotechnics with poetic lyricism. The program will close with Shostakovich’s Fifth Symphony, a work that has become synonymous with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Their 2017 recording of this symphony was praised for its refinement and intensity, and their live performance promises to be nothing short of spectacular.
Igor Levit, January 22
Igor Levit is a pianist known for his bold choices and technical brilliance, and his upcoming recital at Carnegie Hall is no exception. Following his 2023 performance of solo transcriptions of Mahler and Beethoven symphonies, Levit will return to tackle two monumental works: Beethoven’s Diabelli Variations and Frederic Rzewski’s The People United Will Never Be Defeated. Both pieces are technically demanding and require immense concentration and artistic vision, making them a perfect fit for Levit’s skills.
While the Diabelli Variations are considered one of the pinnacles of the piano repertoire, Rzewski’s The People United is a modern masterpiece that draws inspiration from a Chilean protest song. Together, these works showcase Levit’s ability to interpret music across centuries and genres, bringing a unique perspective to each piece. This concert is a must-attend for anyone seeking to experience the artistry and intellect of one of today’s leading pianists.
Leif Ove Andsnes, January 27
Leif Ove Andsnes is a pianist who consistently dazzles audiences with his virtuosity and interpretive insight. His recital at Carnegie Hall promises to be no less than extraordinary, as he performs a diverse program that includes Robert Schumann’s Carnaval, a work known for its imaginative and technically demanding character pieces. While Carnaval is likely to be a highlight, the program also features lesser-known works that are sure to reveal new facets of Andsnes’s artistry.
In addition to Schumann, the program includes selections from György Kurtág’s Játékok, a collection of pieces that blend folk melody with modernist experimentation, as well as works by Janáček, Liszt, and Bartók. Andsnes’s ability to balance technical precision with emotional nuance makes him the perfect interpreter for this wide-ranging repertoire. This concert is a chance to experience the work of a true master of the piano in an intimate and exploratory setting.
This season at Carnegie Hall promises to be a celebration of musical diversity, innovation, and tradition, with performances that will leave audiences in awe. Whether it’s the explosive energy of Bartók, the timeless grandeur of Beethoven, or the intimate beauty of Baroque music, there’s something for every classical music lover.
