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THE CZECH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Classical Special
Wednesday, February 18 - 7:30pm
The William Saroyan Theatre
Tickets starting at $24.
Student Rush available.
PROGRAM
Theodore Kuchar, Chief Conductor
Derek Han, Pianist
Czech Symphony Orchestra
SMETANA - Vltava ("The Moldau")
Learn more and listen to a sample on Wikipedia
BEETHOVEN - Piano Concerto No. 4
Learn more and listen to a sample on Wikipedia
- INTERMISSION -
DVORAK - Symphony No. 9 ("From the New World")
Learn more and listen to a sample on Wikipedia
Download Program Notes (233KB .pdf)
ABOUT THE CONCERT
This concert puts Fresno on the international map! Check out Maestro Kuchar's "other" orchestra, the Czech Symphony Orchestra (The Janacek Philharmonic of Ostrava, Czech Republic) as it wraps up its celebrated American Tour.
These acclaimed musicians and Maestro Kuchar bring music from Czech composers Smetana and Dvorak, and are joined by pianist Derek Han for Beethoven's Fourth Piano Concerto. Don't miss this rare opportunity to hear a leading international orchestra right here in Fresno!
"You simply won't hear a finer performance anywhere." - classicstoday.com
Tour Management: ARTS MANAGEMENT GROUP, INC., 37 West 26th St., New York, NY 10010
Partial funding for the tour of The Czech Symphony Orchestra of Ostrava
("Janacek Philharmonic Orchestra") is made possible by
a generous grant from the city of Ostrava, Czech Republic.
MEDIA
 
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FROM THE PODIUM - A Letter From Theodore Kuchar
Dearest Friends and Patrons! I must begin this correspondence by saying
"Welcome Home" (to myself, after having awaited this evening for over 18 months)! The Janacek Philharmonic Orchestra and I are coming towards the end of a ferocious 19 concert USA Tour, of which this concert is Number 18. We have seen the warmth of Florida in Daytona Beach, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, and met the terrible cold and snow of Philadelphia. We continued with successes in
New York, Worcester, Notre Dame University, Des Moines, Kansas City and many others. I am very proud of the artistic excellence, tolerance and durability that each of my colleagues has shown throughout this grueling excursion.
Nearly three years ago I was elated when the invitation came from a major New York management company, the Arts Management Group, to undertake a major USA Tour under their auspices. Initial conversations revolved around a 12 - 14 concert
tour involving the east coast, from Florida to Massachusetts. At this point, I became quietly "aggressive" because my home and closest friends are in Fresno, and a USA Tour not including my home seemed a paradox. As tour plans became more concrete, I began to "nudge" towards the possibility of coming "out-west". Without elaborating further, here we are!
During the past five years, I have divided my time between the Fresno Philharmonic and the orchestra you will hear this evening, among several others. The Janacek Philharmonic and I have spent many priceless moments together. Our recordings of Dvorak, Smetana, Nielsen and Rachmaninov have received the highest international praise. On tour, the orchestra has seen Australia, Japan, Korea and the major
centres of Europe. I am very proud of my association with this orchestra; it has been an inspiration and education!
Ultimately, I make of you, my friends, a small request. Please, on my behalf, communicate with my colleagues once the evening has fi nished. They know Fresno is my home, and I wish that Fresno would leave them with the warmest memory.
With much appreciation,
THEODORE KUCHAR
ENHANCE YOUR EXPERIENCE
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Enjoy Local Art and Live Music Before the Show in the Lower Lobby Art Courtesy of Albert Hwang Free with Admission |
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Make Your Dinner Reservation Online Courtesy of Opentable.com |
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Book Transportation Services Courtesy of The Classic Status |