Guest conductor Iván López Reynoso returns to the MSO to conduct Brahms’s second symphony, a serene and light-filled work that nevertheless carries a tinge of Brahms’s signature melancholy. Pianist Joyce Yang, also no stranger to the Bradley Symphony Center, brings her “agility, balance and velocity” (Washington Post) to Gershwin’s ambitious and jazzy Concerto in F. Fittingly, this upbeat program begins with the overture to Bernstein’s comedic operetta Candide.

How you’ll feel: animated; lightened; whisked away to Tin Pan Alley

What to listen for:

Of Brahms’s compelling second symphony, his publisher Simrock said: “the melodies fly so thick here that you have to be careful not to step on one.”
George Gershwin felt that the Charleston dance represented “the young enthusiastic spirit of American life,” and included its rhythms throughout his very jazzy Concerto in F.
“Candide is an operetta in the vein of Offenbach and Gilbert and Sullivan. Its music has all the wit, élan, and sophistication that is associated with that genre. This is immediately apparent in the Overture (who ever wrote a special overture — in sonata form, no less — for a musical comedy?).” Read more about Leonard Bernstein’s overture to Candide.

The MSO Steinway piano was made possible through a generous gift from Michael & Jeanne Schmitz

ABOUT THIS PERFORMANCE

Friday, November 20

MEET THE MUSIC

Please join us at the Bradley Symphony Center one hour before the concert for a free Meet the Music pre-concert talk. Enjoy an engaging, informative look at the works you'll experience live at the performance.

PRELUDE SHUTTLE BUS

Make your day even more enjoyable by adding transportation to make your trip downtown easy and carefree. Sign up for individual dates or the entire 6-concert series, and we’ll provide round-trip coach bus service from Mayfair Mall. Here are the details:

8:45 a.m. — Arrive at the southeast lot at Mayfair Mall, east of the former Boston Store to board the coach bus.
9:00 a.m. — Prelude Shuttle departs from Mayfair arriving at the Bradley Symphony Center around 9:30 a.m.
Depart immediately following the concert. Advance notice is not required for the return trip.

Pre-Concert Shuttle Transportation is available for a nominal fee of $25 per concert or $160 for the Prelude Series. To learn more or sign up for the shuttle contact Luther Gray by email or at 414.226.7840.

Meet the Artist Luncheon

Join us post-concert for lunch with conductors and MSO musicians in the Pavilion at the Bradley Symphony Center, following all Friday Prelude Series performances. The popular luncheons include an engaging Q & A session with artists, paired with delicious cuisine.

Luncheon price is $37.00 and does not include concert tickets. To learn more or sign up for the luncheon contact Luther Gray by email or at 414.226.7840.

Food & Beverage Service

Beginning 90 minutes before each performance, enjoy curated bites and cocktails by Indulge Catering Company - A Bianchini Experience at numerous locations throughout the Bradley Symphony Center.

Saturday, November 21

MEET THE MUSIC

Food & Beverage Service featuring Staccato Bites

Don't miss a beat! Beginning 90 minutes before each performance enjoy tasty soups, sandwiches, quick bites, and cocktails ahead of the concert with Staccato Bites. Inspired by the brisk, articulate sound of a staccato note, Staccato Bites provides a convenient and delicious offering prior to all MSO performances.

Brahms Symphony No. 2

Start Time

conductor

piano

Bernstein

Gershwin

Brahms

CONCERT DETAILS

ABOUT THIS PERFORMANCE

MEET THE MUSIC

PRELUDE SHUTTLE BUS

Meet the Artist Luncheon

Food & Beverage Service

MEET THE MUSIC

Food & Beverage Service featuring Staccato Bites

Support

Start Time

conductor

piano

Bernstein

Gershwin

Brahms