The Planets!

Posted Apr 05, 2012 | Press Releases, 

Gustav Holst’s fascination with astronomy is what started his process of writing The Planets, a seven movement work that is known for its immense orchestration—which includes two harps, six horns, and two timpani players, to name a few.  The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra/Symphonic Nova will bring all of these instruments together on one stage for the conclusion of its successful Music of Dreams Season on Saturday, May 19, 8:00 pm at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center in Alexandria.  Alexandria Choral Society will join in for the final movement, “Neptune.”

ASO friend and consummate pianist Carlos Rodríguez will also join the symphony once again on Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2, a piece that has crossed over into popular culture through films such as The Seven Year Itch starring Marilyn Monroe and, more recently, Clint Eastwood’s Hereafter. 

Originally from Venezuela, Mr. Rodríguez now resides in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and has become a well-known figure in the city’s classical music scene.  In addition to performances at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, he was selected by the Smithsonian Institution to perform in its 150th anniversary of the piano as part of the museum’s Piano 300 exhibit.  Not just an accomplished performer of classical repertoire, Mr. Rodríguez also demonstrates a considerable capacity for composing and arranging numerous ballets, Spanish dance scores, and Latin-Jazz/Pop compositions.

Alexandria Symphony presents The Planets
Saturday, May 19, 2012, 8 p.m.
Kim Allen Kluge, conductor
Carlos Rodríguez, piano
RACHMANINOFF: Piano Concerto No. 2
Carlos Rodríguez, piano
HOLST: The Planets
                  With the Alexandria Choral Society

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

Tickets: start at $35 adult, $30 senior, $10 students and $5 for youth (18 & under).  Join Colleen Fay for a free preconcert chat one hour prior to each performance in the Concert Hall.  Free parking. 703-548-0885.