Beethoven and Mozart with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra

This year's Valentine's Day will be celebrated with a symphony of love and longing as the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra (WSO) presents Classical Romance: Beethoven and Mozart. The concert, scheduled for February 14, 2024 at Centennial Concert Hall, will introduce internationally renowned conductor Earl Lee to the local professional scene and feature the WSO debut of soprano Sarah Dufresne.

A timeless journey through love and longing

The program promises an engaging mix of works that explore the depths of human emotion. Mozart's 'Ach, ich fuhl's' and 'Exsultate jubilate' showcase Dufresne's exceptional vocal range and interpretation skills. These works, full of melodious lines that imagine the height of joy and the height of sadness, will surely impress the audience.

Following these passionate performances, the WSO performed Beethoven's Symphony No. 6 in F major, Op. 68, also known as the Pastorale. Born out of the German composer's love of nature, this beloved piece has not been on the WSO stage for more than a decade. Its return promises to be a concert highlight as the orchestra transports listeners to a pastoral paradise, bringing to life the chirping of birds, the roaring river and even the thunder.

A celebration of new voices

In addition to these timeless masterpieces, the concert will also premiere works by contemporary American composers Jesse Montgomery and Carlos Simon. Exploring the themes of love and belonging in today's world, these pieces offer a fresh take on the Valentine's Day concert experience.

“We are delighted to be able to present such a diverse and engaging program,” says WSO Music Director Daniel Raiskin. “From the sublime beauty of Mozart's arias to the landscapes of Beethoven's Pastorale, and from the innovative sounds of Montgomery and Simon to the brilliant talents of Earl Lee and Sarah Dufresne, this concert is truly a triumph of music. touch our hearts and expand our horizons.”

The tradition of St. Valentine's Day has been reborn

With a mix of classical and contemporary works, “Classical Romance: Beethoven and Mozart” marks a new chapter in the WSO's Valentine's Day concert tradition. As the orchestra prepares to take the stage on February 14, audiences can look forward to an unforgettable evening of music celebrating the many facets of love.

As the final notes of Beethoven's Pastorale reverberate through Centennial Concert Hall, concertgoers will be left with a new appreciation for music's power to evoke the beauty of nature, the depth of human emotion, and the bonds of eternal love. As the WSO and its distinguished guests take a bow, it becomes clear that this Valentine's Day concert offered much more than a romantic interlude—it was a journey into the heart of classical music and a testament to enduring power. artistic expression.

For those who appreciate the classics, enjoy the thrill of discovery, and believe in the transformative power of music, “Classical Romance: Beethoven and Mozart” will be an unforgettable experience.