BSO, piano virtuoso Dinnerstein connect through Mozart
By: Marie Gullard
Special to The Examiner
October 23, 2009
If you goFor a gifted pianist, a special musical composition may present certain challenges when played before an audience. Such is the case with Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 23 and Simone Dinnerstein, a classical recording artist and performer who will present the piece with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra on Saturday at the Music Center at Strathmore.Simply Classical Series, Mozart's Piano Concerto No.23
Where: The Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Info: $28 to $90; 410-783-8000; bsomusic.org
"This is one of my favorite Mozart concertos," said Dinnerstein, who will debut with the orchestra in the Simply Classical Series. "The challenge is that it is extremely exposed, as all Mozart is. It [is] real chamber music -- you really need to connect to the orchestra and play together as a close ensemble."
Connecting with the orchestra during performance is as important to her as the connections she makes through community outreach playing concerts throughout the United States in nursing homes, schools and even prisons, such as her recent performance with the BSO at the Maryland Correctional Institution for Women.
"When I'm playing for people who don't often have the opportunity to hear live performances, they are very appreciative," Dinnerstein said. "It really brings home why I'm a musician. It's about communication."
And in Dinnerstein's case, that communication works because of her desire to share her talent with others.
"Simone's beautifully expressive performances and winsome, down-to-earth nature create a memorable experience for everyone present," said Jeff Counts, BSO vice president of artistic planning.
At Strathmore, Dinnerstein and the BSO will work under the baton of the critically acclaimed Maestro Louis Langree, who has been music director of the Mostly Mozart Festival in New York since 2002.
Mozart composed his piano concerto in the same time frame as he did "The Marriage of Figaro," and consequently many of the young composer's techniques are found in the famous opera.
The evening's program also includes Beethoven's Symphony No. 4 and Hayden's Symphony No. 44. Completed in 1806, Beethoven's work reflects styles used by his teacher, Joseph Haydn, and is light and life-affirming. By contrast, Hayden's piece is nicknamed the "Symphony of Mourning" because the composer requested the slow adagio movement to be played at his funeral.
