Like previews of coming attractions, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra presents an evening concert Thursday that highlights the classical treats of its 2011-2012 season. And tickets are just $10. “For the past few seasons, the BSO’s preview concert at Strathmore has been a very popular and affordable way for the public to get a sample of what’s in store for the upcoming season,” said BSO President and CEO Paul Meecham. “Thursday’s concert offers everything from Debussy’s tranquil ‘Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun’ to Copland’s popular ‘Variations on a Shaker Melody’ to a selection from Dvorak’s Cello Concerto, featuring BSO Principal Cellist Dariusz Skoraczewski.”
BSO Music Director Marin Alsop will lead the orchestra in these excerpts that also include the second movement of Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 5 in B-Flat Major, Wagner’s “Overture to ‘The Flying Dutchman,’ ” Stravinsky’s “Infernal Dance of King Kastchei” from “The Firebird Suite” and the third movement of Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6 in B Minor, “Pathetique.”
| Onstage |
| BSO Concert Previews the Season |
| Where: Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda |
| When: 8 p.m. Thursday |
| Info: $10; 410-783-8000 or 301-581-5100; BSOmusic.org, Strathmore.org |
While Alsop takes the podium on Thursday, BSO season subscribers, as well as casual concertgoers, can expect a lineup of distinguished guest conductors such as Itzhak Perlman and Mario Venzago. Guest artists joining them include pianists Leon Fleisher and Andre Watts, as well as violinist Hilary Hahn and cellist Alisa Weilerstein.
“I think that this is a season for everyone, for every single generation,” Alsop said, adding, “We have great pops concerts and family concerts. I would love for people to give [the BSO] a try.”
Skoraczewski, Thursday’s feature soloist, has delighted audiences throughout the United States and Europe with his artistic and technical command of the cello. Throughout the season, other symphony members will be highlighted in specially chosen concerts.
“The 2011-2012 season boasts the variety, major works, leading artists and new music that the public has come to expect from the BSO with Alsop at the helm,” Meecham said.”Once again, it’s a season not to be missed. And Thursday is just a small taste of what’s to come.”
