Beethoven's Triple
The PSO draws from its own talented roster, highlighting concertmaster Basia Danilow and principal cellist Alistair MacRae joined by pianist Steven Beck in Beethoven’s “Triple” Concerto. 2023 Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Michael Abels, well known for his film scores, takes inspiration from Vivaldi for his More Seasons. Prokofiev’s first symphony channels the classical style and bears the hallmarks of the composer’s unmistakable voice.
"In addition to being a critically-acclaimed film composer, Abels maintains an equally impressive repertoire of concert music."
–UnClassified: Composer Spotlight
Due to the length and type of performance, this concert is not suitable for children under the age of 5.
Program
Michael ABELS / More Seasons
Sergei PROKOFIEV / Symphony No. 1 in D Major, Op. 25, "Classical"
Ludwig van BEETHOVEN / Concerto for Violin, Cello, and Piano in C Major, Op. 56, "Triple Concerto"
Key Notes 
- Michael Abels composed the scores for Jordan Peele’s films Get Out, Us, and Nope.
- Prokofiev wrote in his journal of his Symphony No. 1: “When our classically inclined musicians and professors (to my mind faux-classical) hear this symphony, they will be bound to scream in protest at this new example of Prokofiev’s insolence, look how he will not let even Mozart lie quiet in his grave but must come prodding at him with his grubby hands, contaminating the pure classical pearls with horrible Prokofievish dissonances. But my true friends will see that the style of my symphony is precisely Mozartian classicism, while the public will no doubt just be content to hear happy and uncomplicated music which it will, of course, applaud."
- Beethoven’s "Triple Concerto" is a rare example of the piano trio used as collective soloist for a concerto with orchestra. This combination of instruments was popular for chamber music in salon concerts during Beethoven’s time.
Performers
Rossen Milanov, conductor
Basia Danilow, violin
Alistair MacRae, cello
Steven Beck, piano
Media
Listen to Hilary Hahn perform Michael Abels' Isolation Variation for solo violin:
