Pianist Thomas Pandolfi to Perform Rachmaninoff in Place of Carlos Rodríguez

Posted May 16, 2012 | Press Releases, 

ASO will still perform The Planets as scheduled

ALEXANDRIA, VA – As of Wednesday, May 16, 2012, Carlos Rodríguez, pianist and long-time collaborator with the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra/Symphonica Nova, has sustained an injury and regretfully withdraws from his appearance with the ASO on Saturday, May 19.  Mr. Rodríguez is expected to make a full recovery and the ASO wishes him all the best.

“Because of a recently sustained hand injury, on doctor’s orders I regret that I am unable to perform this weekend,” said Rodríguez.  “My apologies for any inconvenience this may cause. Thank you for your continued support, and I am looking forward to future performances with the Symphony.”

The ASO will be honored to welcome Rodríguez back in an upcoming season but is thankful that talented pianist Thomas Pandolfi is able to step in at the last minute and perform Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18, the exact piece that Rodríguez was scheduled to perform.

“We’ve dealt with situations such as this one before, but it is rare that the soloist who is asked to suddenly fill in is also prepared to perform the same repertoire that was originally planned,” said ASO executive director Adrien Finlay.  “Mr. Pandolfi is an incredible talent, and we were very fortunate that despite the change in performers, the music that was promised to our patrons will still be a part of this magnificent program.”

Pandolfi is an extremely accomplished musician, having been lauded by The Washington Post as “an artist who…possesses first-rate technical skills, an unerring command of phrasing, a quicksilver touch and cunning legerdemain when it comes to pedaling…etched with calm and crystal clarity…outstanding.”  He enjoys an extensive recording career and performance schedule that has led to appearances with the George Enescu Philharmonic, the Cluj Philharmonic, the Moravian Philharmonic, the National Philharmonic of the Republic of Moldova, and the Aberystwyth Symphony in Wales, as well as the American symphony orchestras of Mississippi, Cedar Rapids, Asheville, Princeton, San Angelo, York, Fairfax, Northbrook, Great Falls, and Owensboro.  A scholarship graduate of The Julliard School (bachelors and masters degrees), recital appearances have taken him to other parts of the globe including Canada, China, Germany, and Great Britain.  For more information and hi-definition press photos of Thomas Pandolfi, please visit his website at www.thomaspandolfi.com.

The ASO will also be performing Gustav Holst’s The Planets in its entirety.  The seven movement work calls for a massive orchestration that includes two harps, six horns, and two timpani players, to name a few.   Members of the Alexandria Choral Society will join the orchestra for the final movement, “Neptune.” 

Saturday, May 19, 8:00 p.m.
Kim Allen Kluge, conductor
Thomas Pandolfi, piano
RACHMANINOFF: Piano Concerto No. 1 in C minor, Op. 18
            Thomas Pandolfi, piano
HOLST: The Planets
Members of the Alexandria Choral Society
Brian Gendron, Artistic Director

Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall & Arts Center, 3001 N. Beauregard St., Alexandria, VA

Tickets: $35-$65 adults, $30-$65 seniors, $10-$65 students and $5 for youth (18 & under).  Join Colleen Fay for a free preconcert chat one hour prior to the performance in the Concert Hall.  Free parking.

Please note that as of May 16, this concert has sold out. Tickets may still become available.  Please visit alexsym.org or call 703-548-0885.