Romance, Heartbreak, and a Dash of Gayageum
We're starting the new year with a zing! That's just one of the sounds you'll hear from a traditional Korean gayageum — an instrument like a zither. Mahler will also join the program, and so will Ravel. Exciting? You bet!
The January 20 and 21 concert program starts with Adagio from Mahler’s visionary Symphony No. 10. This cathartic work brings contrasting melodies and tempos to express the anguish of heartbreak, leading to a spectacular climax. The composer's emotional vulnerability and sense of his mortality are woven into every note. We’ll be swept away by thrilling passages of awesome power, internalizing Mahler's fervent intensity of love and betrayal.
Next, award-winning composer Jean Ahn will engage our emotions in a new way with the USA premiere of Jajang, Jajang (Hush-Hush), a concerto featuring the distinct sound and range of a traditional Korean zither-like instrument called the gayageum. Ms. Ahn extends her composing limits while preserving the acoustic instrument's authenticity. Hwayoung Shon, a master of the gayageum, will perform as soloist for this piece. She is renowned for enthusiastically incorporating Korean music into various cultures and musical genres. It's a whole new experience!
We return to the theme of ardent love with Ravel’s Suite no. 2 from Daphnis et Chloe. It was originally performed as a ballet based on the pastoral romance of the goatherd Daphnis and the shepherdess Chloe. This is unusually passionate music for a composer best known for his perfection of style and craftsmanship. Described by Ravel’s contemporaries as his “masterpiece” for orchestra, Daphnis et Chloe combines the Impressionist movement's lush harmonies with the ancient Greek story's deep emotions. Share it with someone you love!
You can learn more about the Ravel portion of this program here.
ABOUT SOLOIST HWAYOUNG SHON
Hwayoung Shon dedicates herself to exploring Korea’s rich cultural heritage and introducing it to audiences worldwide. Born in South Korea and currently based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Ms. Shon is a composer and a master of the gayageum. She made her public debut at age ten with the Korea Broadcasting System. Since then, she has worked extensively with jazz musicians, K-pop stars, world musicians, and classical orchestras. This gives her a unique perspective on how to blend traditional Korean music with contemporary styles using her impeccable technique and in-depth musical interpretation.
UPDATE: Due to a change in schedule, Artist in Residence and Concertmaster Nancy Zhou will not be performing at this concert. She will return for the Festivals concerts on March 23-24, 2024 and the Pops Concert on June 8, 2024. Nancy will perform with the Symphony for the entire 2024-25 season.
Free open rehearsal of Daphnis et Chloe:
Friday January 19 at 7:30 PM at the Civic Auditorium in Santa Cruz
No reservations required
Evening performance of Daphnis et Chloe:
Saturday January 20 at 7:30 PM at the Civic Auditorium in Santa Cruz
Pre-concert talk at 6:30 PM
Matinee performance of Daphnis et Chloe:
Sunday January 21 at 2:00 PM at the Henry J. Mello Center in Watsonville
Pre-concert talk at 1:00 PM
CONCERT SPONSORS: OWEN BROWN & MARY AKIN, DONNA MAURILLO & GARY REECE
CONCERT CO-SPONSORS: RALPH & DEANNE BOROFF, LANI LEBLANC