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Violinist Tessa Lark and conductor Shiyeon Sung make welcome returns for a program of Lili Boulanger, Barber’s Violin Concerto, and music from Bizet’s classic opera Carmen.
A traditionalist in the era of atonality, Barber’s concerto contrasts lyricism with folk-like melodies and an incredibly breakneck finale. An American classic, it remains one of the most performed 20th century violin concertos.
Lili Boulanger, the first woman to win the Prix de Rome, at the age of 19 in 1913, composed the two pieces as companions. They represent a study in contrasts: D’un matin de printemps is playful, while D’un soir triste is moody and dark (some have speculated that Boulanger knew at this time that her young death was imminent).
Bizet’s beloved opera Carmen is here depicted in two orchestral suites, including the iconic Toréadors. Individual event tickets go on sale August 1, 2025. This concert is available as part of a Classic Series or Create Your Own Subscription. This concert will be preceded by Concert Comments, a pre-concert talk, beginning one hour before each performance. Linda Ronstadt Music Hall has a clear bag policy. Read more about this venue. Samuel Barber was commissioned to write his Violin Concerto in 1939 by a laundry soap manufacturer for his adopted son, an accomplished violinist. The composer jokingly dubbed his work, concerto da sapone (“soap-concerto”). Although Carmen is one of the most recognizable operas today, Bizet only lived long enough to see it achieve minor fame. Lili Boulanger’s older sister Nadia became a legendary teacher. Her many students included Aaron Copland, Astor Piazzolla, Philip Glass, and Quincy Jones. She did, however, reject an application to study composition from George Gershwin!Plan Your Visit
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