Diablo Symphony Virtual Concert, Nov. 5: Clara Schumann; Lili Boulanger, Beethoven

The Diablo Symphony Orchestra presents its 4th “digital premiere” on November 5 at 7:15 through the DSO’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0iXIT9j020, featuring works by Lili Boulanger, Clara Schumann and Beethoven previously performed by the orchestra under the direction of Matilda Hofmann at the Lesher Center for the Arts. In 1913, Lili Boulanger (1893-1918) was the first woman to win the prestigious Prix de Rome. Her instrumental symphonic poem “D'un matin de printemps”, the program’s opening work, displays the intense harmonies, accomplished orchestration and influences of Debussy and Ravel typically found in the young composer’s vocal and instrumental compositions. Clara Schumann’s lyrical and virtuosic “Piano Concerto in A Minor” is then brought to life by Alamo pianist Nadia Blank-Koliha, complimented by the beautiful playing of Christine Hsia in the 2nd movement’s piano and cello duet. Nadia Blank-Koliha holds a diploma in piano performance from the St. Petersburg State Conservatory (Russia) and Doctor of Musical Arts degree in piano performance from the University of Southern California. The program ends with Beethoven's “Symphony No. 6 (the Pastoral), one of the only works he intentionally set out to write as “program music”. The music succeeds in portraying the composer’s beloved countryside brilliantly – painting scenes of a babbling brook, rustic dancers, a terrifying storm, and shepherds singing hymns. The concert can also be accessed through the DSO’s website https://www.diablosymphony.org/ by clicking on the DSO Digital Premiere image on the home page.