A champion of contemporary music, pianist Norman Krieger will add his sensitivity and virtuosic flair to the popular Ravel’s “Concerto For The Left Hand In D Major” and Gershwin’s “Second Rhapsody.” Of Krieger’s ability, The Los Angeles Times wrote recently, “He owns a world of technique - take that for granted. He always knows exactly where he is going and what he is doing. He never for an instant miscalculates. He communicates urgently but with strict control. He is alert to every manner of nuance and at every dynamic level his tone flatters the ear.” For the curious and adventurous, there are pre-concert talks at Bass Concert Hall starting at 7:10 and a wealth of information on the Symphony website.

Concert Program:
GRANTHAM     Southern Harmony
RAVEL     Concerto For The Left Hand In D Major
GERSHWIN     Second Rhapsody
COPLAND     Appalachian Spring Suite

Norman Krieger's training began in Los Angeles under the tutelage of Esther Lipton. At the age of 15, he became a full scholarship student of Adele Marcus at the famed Juilliard School, from which he received both Bachelor's and Master's degrees. In the summer of 1994, Mr. Krieger made his debut at New York City's prestigious Mostly Mozart Festival, earning an immediate invitation to Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts' 1995-96 "Great Performers Series." A native of Los Angeles, Norman Krieger is the founding Artistic Director of The Prince Albert Music Festival in Hawaii. In the spring of 1997, he was appointed Associate Professor of the distinguished faculty of the University of Southern California. Krieger will perform works of Maurice Ravel and George Gershwin. Ravel's concerto probably is the most famous work written for one hand only. It, like so many left-hand works, was written for pianist Paul Wittgenstein, who had lost his right arm during World War One. Gershwin’s Second Rhapsody is virtually unknown, and was intended as a sequel to “Rhapsody in Blue.” With its melodic flair and Latin-flavored colors, the work is essential listening.

For the evening’s program, Maestro Bay has also selected Grantham’s “Southern Harmony” and Copland’s “Appalachian Spring Suite.” University of Texas professor Donald Grantham’s "Southern Harmony," based on tunes from an 1835 American song collection of the same name, features some inventive wind writing within its multi-movement, flavorful arrangements. Aaron Coplands’ mega-hit “Appalachian Spring Suite” is considered by many to be the American Classic. It is a masterpiece so full of highly inspired, songful music, one knows instantly why it is so beloved.

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Charge tickets and buy gift certificates online at http://www.austinsymphony.org where you will find interactive seating maps, price options and a wealth of concert information. Purchase tickets at the Symphony Box Office, 11th and Red River or call 476-6064 or 1-888-4-MAESTRO (toll-free).

Concert Sponsor: Altria Group, Inc.
Season Sponsor: St. David’s Healthcare Partnership
Media Sponsors: Time Warner/News 8 Austin, KMFA Classical 89.5, and Austin American-Statesman