March 2024 Concert Program

"Renewal" – Niemann "Renewal" was commissioned by and composed exclusively for the South Valley Symphony for their 50th season. This is a piece that not only tells the tale of an orchestra overcoming the many challenges posed to musicians during the 2020 pandemic but is also a personal narrative detailing the personal conflicts faced during the pandemic. "Renewal" is sonically inspired by hints of John Williams' "Jurassic Park," "Harry Potter," and "E.T.: The Extraterrestrial," and by the trudging repetition found in the post minimalist works of composer John Adams. "Renewal" is both a testament to and a celebration of the ability to come back together after facing such adversity. Concerto No. 2 for Piano and Orchestra – Liszt Franz Liszt's Concerto No. 2 for Piano and Orchestra is a tour de force of virtuosity and lyrical brilliance. Composed between 1839 and 1840, it embodies the Romantic era's passion and dynamism. The concerto's three movements showcase Liszt's innovative approach to form and his unparalleled mastery of the piano. From the thunderous opening chords to the tender introspection of the Adagio and the fiery, exhilarating finale, Liszt's Concerto No. 2 dazzles with its technical demands and emotional depth. Its sweeping melodies and cascading arpeggios exemplify Liszt's pianistic genius, cementing the work as a cornerstone of the piano concerto repertoire.