Day 156 of 365 Things To Do In Pasadena highlights the opening of night of Pasadena Symphony’s Classics Concert Series in their new home at the Ambassador Auditorium! This post is brought to you by Elizabeth Fieux.
The opening day is October 23, 2010 with 2 performances: 2pm (new!) and 8pm.
Location: Ambassador Auditorium
131 South Saint John Street
Pasadena, California
Pasadena Symphony
Presents Sonic Sensations!
James DePreist – Conductor
Anne Akiko Meyers, Violin
From the magical opening notes of Barber’s violin concerto to the blazing affirmation of life in the final moments of Brahms’ 2nd Symphony, this inagural concert at the Ambassador will transform you through a universe of sonic sensations.
Rossini La gazza ladra: Overture
Barber Violin Concerto, Op. 14
Brahms Symphony No. 2 in D Major, Op. 73
Information on the full 2010/2011 season and additional Pasadena Symphony shows can be found on their website.
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Press Release:
VIOLINIST ANNE AKIKO MEYERS PURCHASES EX-NAPOLEON/MOLITOR STRADIVARIUS AT WORLD RECORD PRICE AND WILL PLAY IT WITH THE PASADENA SYMPHONY AT AMBASSADOR AUDITORIUM
Pasadena, CA– At its opening concerts of the season, Anne Akiko Meyers will join the Pasadena Symphony in a performance of Samuel Barber’s lush, haunting and bombastic Violin Concerto on her newly purchased Stradivarius.
After fierce bidding, Tarisio Auctions sold “The Molitor” Stradivarius dated 1697, to renowned concert violinist Anne Akiko Meyers for a world-record price of $3,600,000. This price is the highest on record for any musical instrument sold at auction and is well over the pre-sale estimate of $2,000,000-$3,000,000.
“The Molitor” is believed to have been owned by Napoleon Bonaparte and takes its name from former owner Count Gabriel-Jean-Joseph Molitor, a General in Napoleon’s army. Other previous owners include the Curtis Institute in Philadelphia and the American violinist Elmar Oliveira who last played this exquisite violin in 1994. October 23rd, this violin will be heard for the first time in 16 years.
Ms. Meyers raved about her first experience with the ex-Napoleon/Molitor violin, “It was love at first sound. Its power, feel, and range of color are extraordinary. I look forward to sharing this sound with the world.”
Jason Price, director of Tarisio commented: “It’s a rare opportunity when a Stradivarius of this quality comes for sale at auction. “The Molitor” is the perfect convergence of historically important provenance, impeccable condition and first class sound. We’re delighted that it sold to Anne Akiko Meyers, one of the world’s finest soloists.”
Tarisio is one of the world’s leading sources of fine and rare stringed instruments. It combines the excellent reputation and services of a traditional auction house with the efficiency and accessibility of online sales. Offering first-class expertise and guaranteed cataloging, it has earned the respect of musicians, collectors, restorers and dealers the world over.
On October 23rd, Maestro James DePreist, who has been described by The Chicago Sun Times as “One of the finest conductors this nation has produced” will lead the orchestra in performances of Brahms’ Symphony No.2 and Rossini’s Overture to La gazza ladra. Anne Akiko Meyers will perform Barber’s beloved Violin Concerto.
The Symphony is delighted to now offer matinee performances at 2pm in addition to the popular 8pm performance. Audiences will experience this esteemed orchestra as never before in the “Carnegie Hall of the West”.
Anne Akiko Meyers has performed all over the world receiving rave reviews and has made regular appearances with the orchestras of Boston, Montreal, Royal Concertgebouw, Philadelphia, New York, Royal Philharmonic, Orchestre de Paris, Tokyo’s NHK Symphony and many others.
Praise for Anne Akiko Meyers:
“Her sound was beguiling and deep-she has a lyrical gift, combining sonority and expressiveness.”
Philadelphia Inquirer
“She played with an unfailingly sweet tone, molding her phrases like a singer.”
The New York Times
“Vigorous mastery, unflinching technical skills and stylish elegance.”
Los Angeles Times
“Can take a meandering train of thought and spin it out into a melody of exquisite beauty-this is playing of rare sensitivity.”
BBC Music Magazine
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