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Renowned concert pianist Jon Nakamatsu is set to play alongside the Pacific Chamber Orchestra for the first time next weekend.
The engagement, which includes shows in Lafayette and Livermore, will center on the music of American composer Edward MacDowell and Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.
“MacDowell’s music is optimistic, expansive and heartfelt and distinctly American,” said Nakamatsu, a former gold medalist in the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition who has performed solo recitals at the Bankhead Theater and throughout the Bay Area. “I’m excited to bring his buoyant ‘Second Piano Concerto’ to my home audiences with PCO.”
The concert program will culminate with the heroic arc encapsulated by Tchaikovsky’s “Fifth Symphony” – “a captivating symphony of sweeping melody and exhilarating power”, according to PCO reps.
“MacDowell and Tchaikovsky offer two distinctly life affirming works. One is spirited and lyrical, the other soulful and blazing. Both are exhilarating,” PCO music director Lawrence Kohl said in a press release.
“Together, the concerto and symphony create an afternoon of Romantic sweep, radiant melody and emotional affirmation,” PCO reps added.
The shows are set for next Saturday (April 25) at 3 p.m. in Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church in Lafayette and next Sunday (April 26) at 3 p.m. in the Bankhead in downtown Livermore.
One weekend later, PCO is hosting its third annual Tri-Valley Craft Cocktail Competition in the Bankhead Plaza. Running from 4:30-6:30 p.m. May 2, the event with original drinks by local mixologists and small-bite food pairings from local restaurants is one of PCO main fundraisers of the year.
For concert and competition tickets, go to PacificChamberOrchestra.org.
