Transatlantic partnership with European orchestra continues this season
On the Fourth of July, American conductor Lawrence Golan, Music Director of the Denver Philharmonic Orchestra (DPO), conducted a joint performance with the Bayerische Philharmonie (BayPhil or Bavarian Philharmonic) in Munich, Germany. Thirteen representatives from the Denver orchestra traveled overseas to perform alongside their BayPhil musical colleagues in the sold-out July 4 concert entitled Symphonic America.
The two orchestras formed the transatlantic partnership with a proclamation from Governor John Hickenlooper, April 2017. Both organizations focus on innovation in programming and performance, with additional emphasis on patron experience and audience engagement. Collaborations include musician and conductor exchanges, joint programming, and co-commissioned music.
“Last October, we made our European debut in Hercules Hall in Munich’s Royal Residenz with the BayPhil,” said DPO Board President Jon Olafson. “Earlier this month, Symphonic America was held in a rock music concert venue in Munich’s Werksviertel neighborhood, which is very similar to Denver’s RiNo Arts District.
“Each time we visit the BayPhil, we feel more similarities and fewer differences between our cities. It’s quickly becoming a second home!”
April 20, 2019, as part of the DPO’s 2018–19 mainstage season, dozens of members of the BayPhil chorus will travel to Denver to perform Mozart’s “Great” Mass in C Minor with the full Denver Philharmonic Orchestra. The concert entitled Gloria will be conducted by BayPhil Music Director Mark Mast, who has guest conducted the DPO numerous times as part of the transatlantic partnership.
“We are thrilled to welcome back Maestro Mast and very excited that he is bringing a full chorus to perform with us,” said Golan.
The Denver Philharmonic’s first stateside performance of their 71st season is scheduled for September 28. The season premiere entitled Heroes stars violinist Xiao Liu who Golan describes as “an absolute virtuoso.”
Liu will perform one of the most difficult pieces in the violin repertoire, Paganini’s first violin concerto. Based in Beijing, China, Liu is the youngest ever violin professor at China’s top music academy, the Central Conservatory of Music.
Over the season, the orchestra will spotlight local solo artists and collaborate with regional performing arts groups. November 16, DPO-member pianist Ani Powell will perform Grieg’s piano concerto at GIANTS. The Colorado Chorale and steel drum ensemble Pan Nation will add a Caribbean flair to the DPO’s popular Holiday Cheer! concerts, December 21 and 22. And renowned cimbalom artist Laurence Kaptain will perform Kodály’s Háry János Suite at the season finale, Victory.
“We are so excited to continue our popular More Than Music activities for kids and adults alike in our 2018–19 mainstage season,” said Matt Meier, DPO Vice President. “These free, family-friendly activities before, during and after every concert turn the evening into a whole event. You literally can’t help by smile when you have adults dancing on a giant piano or kids putting their way through a homemade mini-golf course.”
The orchestra, which won the 2017 Ictus International Music Competition, has sold out its last 17 mainstage concerts averaging 950 patrons per performance.
Save with a Season Pass
Single tickets go on sale September 1.