Kenneth Kiesler, conductor
Aleks Shameti, piano

PROGRAM

Enescu, Prelude in Unision
Liszt, Piano Concerto No. 2
Bartók, Concerto for Orchestra

In this exciting USO concert, the spotlight is on Aleks Shameti, winner of the 2024 SMTD Concerto Competition, and the musicians of the USO, in two virtuoso Hungarian showpieces!

Over time, the word “concerto” evolved from being music with contrasts to become a virtuoso piece that shows off the technical prowess and musicality of an accomplished soloist playing with (or against) and orchestra. The Liszt Piano Concerto No. 2 originally featured the Hungarian composer’s own pianistic prowess. On the other hand, with his Concerto for Orchestra, Bartók showcased the musicians and sections of the orchestra itself (originally the Boston Symphony). This thrilling and colorful music springs from Hungarian folk dances and songs to have become one of the most popular and often-performed showpieces ever written for orchestra.

In the evening’s opening piece, Enescu’s Prelude in Unison, the orchestra’s string sections (without the double basses) – as if speaking with one voice in passionate, folksy music – seem to tell a story of personal struggle, aspiration, triumph, and serenity.