New Century Chamber Orchestra‘s 2017–2018 season, announced today, will be led by Daniel Hope, 42, succeeding Nadja Solerno-Sonnenberg in the first chair, but with the title “artistic partner,” not music director. Because of his many commitments beyond performing around the world — including leadership of several European chamber orchestras — Hope’s association with NCCO will be of a limited nature, probably for three years, while the search continues for an NCCO music director.
Hope will be the soloist in the world premiere of Alan Fletcher’s Violin Concerto, co-commissioned with Hope’s Zürich Chamber Orchestra, and he will lead an all-Mozart birthday celebration with debut appearances by two extraordinary pianists: 93-year-old Menahem Pressler and Sebastian Knauer. Fletcher is president of the Aspen Music Festival and School.
“From the moment I took to the stage with New Century, it was instantly clear to me why they are one of the Bay Area’s most treasured jewels,” says Hope. “Their energy is infectious and this palpable electricity created by the entire orchestra seems to reach every single audience member. I am delighted to embark on this exciting new chapter for the next three seasons.”
Other NCCO concerts will be led by Avery Fisher Career Grant-winner Benjamin Beilman and Indianapolis Symphony Concertmaster Zachary DePue. Guest concertmasters are candidates for the permanent post.
The orchestra’s 26th season opens Sept. 21–24 with concerts in the First Congregational Church, Berkeley; Oshman Family JCC, Palo Alto; Herbst Theater, San Francisco; and Osher Marin JCC, San Rafael. In addition to the Fletcher concerto and Polish film-music composer Wljciech Kilar’s Orawa, these concerts will also offer the Tchaikovsky Serenade and Mendelssohn’s Octet.
The season continues Nov. 9–12 with concerts led by Beilman: The extensive and varied program includes Heinrich Biber’s Battaglia, Stravinsky’s Concerto in D, and Andrew Norman’s Gran Turissmo. Beilman takes to the stage as soloist for J.S. Bach’s Violin Concerto in E Major, BWV 1042, and Mahler’s arrangement of Beethoven’s Quartet in F Minor, Op. 95.
Daniel Hope returns Jan. 25-28, 2018, to lead concerts honoring Mozart’s 261st birthday, and appears as soloist in Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 3. Pressler will be the soloist in the Piano Concerto No. 23, KV 488 on Jan. 27, and Knauer on Jan. 25, 26, and 28. Mozart’s Adagio and Fugue, and his Symphony No. 29 (with strings, wind instruments, and timpani) complete the concerts.
The season concludes May 17–20, 2018, DePue leading the orchestra in the West Coast premiere of Philip Glass’s Piano Concerto No. 3, Simone Dinnerstein soloist, in honor of the composer’s 80th birthday. The program includes Bach’s G minor Keyboard Concerto, Benjamin Britten’s arrangement of Henry Purcell’s Chacony in G minor, Bryce Dessner’s Aheym, and Francesco Geminiani’s Concerto Grosso No. 12.
Season subscriptions are on sale now, ranging from $78 to $220. Single tickets, $29 to $61 will go on sale Aug. 1, from City Box Office. In addition to regular performances throughout the Bay Area, the season’s final program will be presented on May 16, 2018, at the Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts at UC Davis as part of the Center’s 2017–2018 season.
