Philadelphia Orchestra Celebrates Women with Rachmaninoff and Schumann

The Philadelphia Orchestra will showcase the talents of Principal Guest Conductor Marin Alsop in a special performance titled “Marin Leads Rachmaninoff and Schumann” from March 20 to 22, 2024, at the Kimmel Center’s Marian Anderson Hall. This concert not only highlights the work of renowned composers but also serves as a platform for female artists, aligning with the celebration of Women’s History Month.

Alsop expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming program, stating, “I’m really looking forward to this program. It’s got something for everyone.” The concert will feature three significant works, beginning with the Philadelphia premiere of a piece by Iryna Aleksiychuk, a Ukrainian composer who was forced to flee her home due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Aleksiychuk, a professor at the National Academy of Music of Ukraine, shared insights about her composition, “Go Where the Wind Takes You.” According to her, the piece is “deeply autobiographical,” reflecting her personal journey after leaving Kyiv in March 2022. The work was commissioned by Classical Movements in collaboration with the Taki Alsop Conducting Fellowship, which Alsop co-founded in 2002 to foster opportunities for women in the field of music.

The emotional gravity of Aleksiychuk’s music resonates with her experiences. She stated, “It creates immense emotional weight for me. It represents solidarity. It represents cultural support.” The piece is inspired by a poem from Olena Stepanenko, a Ukrainian poet and friend, which speaks to themes of resilience, memory, and sisterhood.

Following this powerful opening, the orchestra will perform Rachmaninoff’s “Paganini Variations,” featuring the virtuosic pianist Haochen Zhang. Alsop described the concerto as “extremely virtuosic, extremely varied,” promising an exciting performance that showcases Zhang’s impressive talent.

The program will conclude with Robert Schumann‘s Second Symphony, a work characterized by its powerful narrative of triumph over adversity. Alsop remarked on the beauty of this symphony, saying, “I can’t wait to share these three fantastic works with the audiences in Philadelphia.”

“Marin Leads Rachmaninoff and Schumann” will take place at Marian Anderson Hall within the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, located at 300 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Philadelphia Orchestra’s official website.