Join us on Sunday, July 10th at 1 PM on WRTI 90.1, and Monday, July 11th at 7 PM on WRTI HD-2 when our Philadelphia Orchestra in Concert series brings you a performance recorded live in April 2022 featuring works by Vivaldi, Kreisler, and Chevalier de Saint-Georges.
Gil Shaham is featured as soloist and leader in three works with an 18th-century aspect: In addition to Vivaldi’s beloved Baroque masterwork, The Four Seasons—which dates from 1725—we’ll hear a concerto from about 50 years later by a virtuoso violinist with a fascinating life story, who has only recently begun to receive the attention he merits: Joseph Bologne, also known as the Chevalier de Saint Georges.
And to begin, we’ll hear a Praeludium and Allegro for violin and orchestra, written in 18th-century style by a violin virtuoso of the 20th century—Fritz Kreisler.
“I do love this piece; it’s got to be one of my favorite ways to start any concert program,” says Gil. "Everybody I know, who knows the piece, loves it. And there's also a wonderful arrangement by Eddie South for the jazz violinist fans out there.”
Vivaldi, Kreisler, and Saint-Georges were among the greatest violinists of their respective eras, so it’s fitting that this program features one of the most acclaimed violinists of our own time. Gil Shaham has appeared regularly with The Philadelphia Orchestra as a soloist for more than 30 years. In this concert, he’s also the leader of a performance that has the easy intimacy of chamber music played among friends.
Listen during the broadcast for producer Susan Lewis’ interview with Gil Shaham, who shares stories about each of these works.
Detailed program notes from the concert
PROGRAM:
Kreisler: Praeludium and Allegro, for violin and orchestra
Saint-Georges: Violin Concerto No. 9 in G major, Op. 8
Vivaldi: The Four Seasons
The Philadelphia Orchestra
Gil Shaham, leader and violin
Listen to The Philadelphia Orchestra in Concert broadcasts, every Sunday at 1 PM on WRTI 90.1, streaming at WRTI.org, on the WRTI mobile app, and on your favorite smart speaker. Listen again on Mondays at 7 PM on WRTI HD-2.
Listen for up to two weeks after broadcast on WRTI Replay
