PROGRAM NOTES
BENEDETTI PERFORMS MARSALIS VIOLIN CONCERTO
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
FROM THE PODIUM by Marin Alsop
Marin Alsop
Marin Alsop
One of the foremost conductors of our time , Marin Alsop represents a powerful and inspiring voice . The first woman to serve as the head of a major orchestra in the U . S ., South America , Austria , and Britain , she is the first and only conductor to receive a MacArthur Fellowship . She holds positions as Chief Conductor of the ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra ; first Music Director of the University of Maryland ’ s National Orchestral Institute + Festival ; Conductor of Honour of Brazil ’ s São Paulo Symphony Orchestra ; and Chief Conductor and Curator of Chicago ’ s Ravinia Festival , where she conducts the Chicago Symphony Orchestra ’ s summer residencies . This year , after an outstanding 14-year tenure as its Music Director , she assumes the title of Music Director Laureate and OrchKids Founder of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra . She is also the founder of the Taki Alsop Conducting Fellowship , which promotes and nurtures the careers of fellow female conductors .
Thereesa Wey
Nicola Benedetti
Nicola Benedetti
Experience the Performance Again A livestream of this performance is available for a limited time .
Andy Gotts
Nicola Benedetti is one of the most soughtafter violinists of her generation . Her ability to captivate audiences with her innate musicianship and spirited presence , coupled with her wide appeal as a high-profile advocate for classical music , has made her one of the most
influential classical artists of today .
In 2021 – 22 , Benedetti collaborates with the London Symphony Orchestra , Netherlands Radio Philharmonic , Cincinnati Symphony , and the LA Philharmonic . Winner of the Grammy Award for Best Classical Instrumental Solo in 2020 , as well as Best Female Artist at both 2012 and 2013 Classical BRIT Awards , Benedetti records exclusively for Decca ( Universal Music ). Her latest recordings of Vivaldi Concerti and Elgar ’ s Violin Concerto entered at number one in the U . K .’ s Official Classical Album Chart .
Benedetti was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire ( CBE ) in the 2019 New Year Honours list , awarded the Queen ’ s Medal for Music in 2017 — the youngest ever recipient — and was appointed as a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire ( MBE ) in 2013 . In January 2020 , she launched The Benedetti Foundation , providing tutorials and inspirational workshops .
Benedetti plays the Gariel Stradivarius ( 1717 ), courtesy of Jonathan Moulds .
This program features some of the most innovative artists of our time .
The first is composer Angélica Castelló , whom I met at the Wein Modern Festival in Vienna . I was so moved by her work that the BSO soon commissioned her to write an orchestral piece . That composition , Star Washers , was originally to debut as part of an anniversary celebration of the James Webb Space Telescope launch but was then postponed due to the pandemic . I am thrilled to bring this premiere to you now , a bridge between my time at the BSO and my artistic endeavors in Vienna , Austria .
The second are two musicians who have established relationships with the BSO : Nicola Benedetti and Wynton Marsalis . We first played with Nicola at the 2018 Edinburgh International Festival as part of the BSO ’ s tour of the U . K . and Ireland . Wynton has been a friend of mine for years , sharing his musical acumen and passion for our education programs . His violin concerto , written for Nicola , highlights the multifaceted nature of his musical background and their musical friendship .
And Saint-Saëns . His “ Organ ” Symphony is part of our standard repertoire , a sure crowd pleaser , but just as importantly , an intense , inspirational , and aspirational musical journey .
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
BY A . KORI HILL
Angélica Castelló
Born February 9 , 1972 in Mexico City , Mexico
STAR WASHERS [ 2021 ]
The following is drawn from Angélica Castelló ’ s description of Star Washers : Star Washers is about looking upward in every possible way : literally , figuratively , and spiritually . As I researched this theme , I rediscovered the great story of Julio Cortázar , “ Los limpiadores de estrellas ” (“ The Star Cleaners ”), which became the main inspiration for the piece .
In this story , the stars are close among humanity , in an amazing connection in which they communicate and play with light and darkness . The writer , Julio Cortázar has a
JAN-FEB 2022 / OVERTURE 25