Friday-Sunday, June 18-20, 2021
Michael Stern, conductor
Noah Bendix-Balgley, violin (collaboration with Union Station’s Auschwitz exhibit)
MARTINŮ Memorial to Lidice
NOAH BENDIX-BALGLEY Fidl-Fantazye: A Klezmer Concerto
BEETHOVEN Symphony No. 3, “Eroica”
The most ubiquitous name in classical music is Ludwig van Beethoven — for good reason. Among his monumental nine symphonies, the “Eroica” (Heroic) Symphony was composed at a time in Beethoven’s life when themes of fearlessness and overcoming challenges were ever-present in his music. It was at this time when he was diagnosed with progressive hearing loss, and perhaps the weight of his own mortality and frailty prompted his prolific creativity.
“Eroica” is a deeply emotional work inspired by the ideals of liberty, unity and the rights of humankind. Beethoven originally dedicated the symphony to Napoleon Bonaparte because he thought Napoleon represented the future and a democratic way of thinking. But when Napoleon declared himself emperor of France in 1804, Beethoven was disgusted. Thankfully he didn’t discard the music. Instead, he scratched out the dedication with a knife, leaving a gaping hole in the paper but preserving this timeless symphony.
Conductor Michael Stern leads your Kansas City Symphony on this vivid orchestral adventure traversing an epic battle, somber funeral march and playful middle section on the way to a breathtaking, victorious finale.
The concert begins with Czech composer Bohuslav Martinů’s searing Memorial to Lidice, which commemorates a Czech village that was razed and its residents massacred by the Nazis. While stately and hymn-like, palpable tension builds in the short work. A resilient spirit eventually prevails with shimmering strings, rich woodwind tones and vibrant brass chords.
Rounding out the program will be the Kansas City premiere of Fidl-Fantazye by multi-talented violinist Noah Bendix-Balgley. In addition to composing, he also balances roles as concertmaster for the Berlin Philharmonic, soloist, chamber musician and klezmer fiddler. Sometimes called “Old Country” music, klezmer is a style derived from Jewish and folk music traditions in Eastern Europe. In his own Fidl-Fantazye: A Klezmer Concerto, Bendix-Balgley promises fun, fast fiddlin’ that will be far from ordinary!
