Some call it Rachmaninoff, others call it romance.
In his Baltimore debut, 27-year-old pianist Simon Trpceski, of Macedonia, will join the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra in a performance of Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini.
As he plays the Rachmaninoff piece, he says he “will not think of the pressure” involved in performing, without break, the piece that just happened to make its world debut in Baltimore in 1934.
“I am a romantic person, and this is a great honor for me,” he said. “The BSO is considered one of the world?s best orchestras.”
Based on Paganini?s 24th Caprice for unaccompanied violin, Rachmaninoff?s interpretation presents 24 variations for orchestra and solo piano, grouped into three major sections.
The musical adventure builds to a climax meant to showcase Trpceski?s virtuosity at the keyboard.
BSO?s artistic administrator, Jeremy Rothman is an ardent admirer of that talent.
“The Rachmaninoff is definitely the perfect vehicle to showcase [Trpceski?s] technical virtuosity and musicianship in his first performances with the BSO,” he said.
Trpceski said he strives to find a bit of himself in every piece he plays, romantic or otherwise. “All artists” he said, must ensure the audience “shares the magic of the music” along with him. This commitment to the audience, which enhances his technical skill, has earned him prizes in international piano competitions.
The Baltimore concerts this weekend team Trpceski for a second time with guest conductor and Emmy winner Miguel Harth-Bedoya, who serves as music director of the Fort Worth Symphony.
The BSO?s Favorites program begins with an ode to the Mississippi and Missouri rivers, River?s Rush by American composer Kevin Puts.
“I wanted to convey a sense of great, rushing energy,” the 34-year-old Puts explained of his piece, “combined with a monumental, epic quality throughout.”
If you go
Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Favorites Concert
» Venue: Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St., Baltimore
» Times: 8 p.m. today and Saturday; 3 p.m. Sunday
» More info: 410-783-8000 or baltimoresymphony.org
