ABOUT THE ARTISTS Kevin John Edusei
PROGRAM NOTES
RAY CHEN PERFORMS SIBELIUS VIOLIN CONCERTO
Kevin John Edusei is praised for the drama and tension that he brings to his music making . A commanding , suave , and elegant figure on the podium , he conducts widely across Europe and North America , dividing his time equally between the concert hall and opera house . Edusei is deeply committed to the creative elements of performance , presenting classical music in new formats , cultivating audiences , introducing music by underrepresented composers , and conducting an eclectic range of repertoire from the baroque to the contemporary .
Edusei ’ s 2021 – 22 season features many debuts , including the Dallas , Baltimore , and Indianapolis symphony orchestras ; the Minnesota Orchestra ; the Juilliard Orchestra at Alice Tully Hall ; the Royal Philharmonic ; the City of Birmingham Symphony ; and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic . The season also marks Edusei ’ s eighth and final season as Chief Conductor of the Munich Symphony Orchestra . In 2019 , Edusei concluded his tenure as Chief Conductor of Bern Opera House , where he led many new productions .
In 2014 , Edusei was awarded the fellowship for the American Academy of Conducting at the Aspen Music Festival by David Zinman , and in 2007 , he was a prizewinner at the Lucerne Festival Conducting Competition under the artistic direction of Pierre Boulez and Péter Eötvös .
Ray Chen
Ray Chen is a violinist who redefines what it is to be a classical musician in the 21st century . With a media presence that enhances and inspires the classical audience , reaching out to millions through his unprecedented online following , Chen ’ s remarkable musicianship transmits to a global audience that is reflected in his engagements with the foremost orchestras and concert halls around the world .
Kevin John Edusei
Ray Chen
Initially coming to attention via the Yehudi Menuhin and Queen Elisabeth competitions , he has built a profile in Europe , Asia , and the U . S ., as well as his native Australia , both live and on disc . Named as “ one to watch ” by The Strad and Gramophone magazines , his profile has grown to encompass his feature in the Forbes list of 30 most influential Asians under 30 ; an appearance in major online TV series Mozart in the Jungle ; a multi-year partnership with Giorgio Armani ; and performances at major media events such as France ’ s Bastille Day , the Nobel Prize Concert in Stockholm , and the BBC Proms .
Born in Taiwan and raised in Australia , Chen was accepted to the Curtis Institute of Music at age 15 . He plays the 1735 “ Samazeuilh ” Stradivarius violin on loan from the Nippon Music Foundation and once owned by the famed violinist , Mischa Elman ( 1891 – 1967 ).
FRI , APR 22 , 8 PM STRATHMORE SAT , APR 23 , 8 PM MEYERHOFF SUN , APR 24 , 3 PM MEYERHOFF
Jack Everly , conductor
Jedi Master Yoda teaches Luke Skywalker the ways of the force in Star Wars : The Empire Strikes Back as the BSO performs John Williams ’ unforgettable score live .
THU , MAY 12 , 8 PM STRATHMORE FRI , MAY 13 , 8 PM MEYERHOFF SAT , MAY 14 , 3 PM MEYERHOFF
Lawrence Loh , conductor
The Rebel Alliance continues its fight against the Empire in Star Wars : Return of the Jedi . Watch the full-length film on the big screen as the BSO performs John Williams ’ legendary score live .
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Experience the Performance Again A livestream of this program is available for a limited time . A BSO Sessions Episode , featuring an interview with Kevin John Edusei , will be released on March 30 and will be available through the 2021 – 22 season .
2021-22 SEASON
PRESENTATION LICENSED BY DISNEY CONCERTS IN ASSOCIATION WITH 20TH CENTURY FOX , LUCASFILM LTD ., AND WARNER / CHAPPELL MUSIC . © 2021 & TM LUCASFILM LTD . ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
MAR-APR 2022 / OVERTURE 13