New West Symphony is premiering a double concerto for an unusual pair of instruments — unusual by symphony standards, at least. Canvas, a new work by French accordionist and composer Julien Labro, gives the solo treatment to the bandoneón and the guitar. They’re a standard duo in tango music, but not all that common in the concert hall. Luckily, two expert soloists, as well as complementary programming, make the case.
On Nov. 16 and 17, guitarist Jason Vieaux, along with Labro himself on bandoneón, will join New West Symphony for the world premiere performances. It’s not the first outing for the duo; Vieaux and Labro have a history of collaboration to draw on. Another work on the weekend’s program, Astor Piazzolla’s The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires, is a piece the two have recorded together. The coupling of virtuosic players, as well as compositions old and new, promises a concert of musical insights and connections.
Michael Christie conducts, and works by Bartók, Copland, Dan Visconti, and Gabriela Lena Frank round out the program. Tickets to both performances, Nov. 16 at 7:30 p.m. in Thousand Oaks and Nov. 17 at 3:00 p.m. in Camarillo, are available here.
