Program

Rossini Overture to Italian Lady in Algiers (L'italiana in Algeri)
Koto World Premiere, Koto Concerto, Yuki Yasuda, Koto
Schreiner World Premiere, Koto Concerto, Yuki Yasuda, Koto
Dvorak Symphony No. 8

Program Notes

Overture to L'Italiana in Algeri ("The Italian Girl in Algiers")
Composed in 1813, the opera tells the story of a plucky Italian woman who travels to Algiers to rescue her kidnapped and enslaved lover from the clutches of the Bey of Algiers. The brief and vivacious overture perfectly captures the charm and wit of the indomitable heroine.

World Premieres: Two Koto Concertos
Both concertos blend western and eastern forms to create music that is fresh, magical and wholly pleasurable. Dr. Takashi Koto is a prize-winning composer who has been long associated with Harvard University. Martin Max Schreiner is also a prize-winning composer whose works have been featured in Japan and elsewhere around the globe. Yuki Yasuda is a virtuoso of the highest level who with the orchestra will bring these gorgeous new compositions to life.

Symphony No. 8
Although less famous than his "New World" Symphony, Dvorak's Symphony No. 8 is a popular concert piece. It is a cheerful work replete with folk themes from Dvorak's native Bohemia.