The Akron Symphony Orchestra’s 2019-20 season will begin on Sept. 21 at 8 p.m. at E.J. Thomas Hall with an exploration of music pieces from four composers of Russian descent.

Starting with two shorter pieces by Russian composers Mikhail Glinka and Modest Mussorgsky, guest pianist Alexander Korsantia will follow with a performance of Sergei Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 3.

To highlight the evening, the orchestra will perform Pyotr Tchaikosvky’s Symphony No. 4 Benjamin Zander, former TED Talk speaker and current director of the Boston Philharmonic, will bring his charismatic persona and unique ideas about tempo to the stage as the guest conductor.

Christopher Wilkins, the music director of the Akron Symphony Orchestra, said that Zander and Korsantia have known each other for many years and those in attendance will be able to see evidence of their longtime partnership during Korsantia’s performance.

Wilkins also said the choice in the orchestra’s performance pieces by Russian composers is due to its impact on the modern orchestra.

“The Russians in the 19th century in many ways invented the modern orchestra, and it hasn’t changed all that much since then,” Wilkins said.

In the past, up to 40 people have auditioned for one chair in the orchestra, and its pull is far-reaching, seating musicians from UA alumni to Columbus and Pittsburgh residents.

“There is a great and incredibly competitive orchestra right in the school’s front yard,” Wilkins said.

Wilkins also recommends that students attend the pre-concert lecture delivered by Zander.

(Image via the Akron Symphony Orchestra)
Boston Philharmonic Founder and Director, Benjamin Zander, will return to Akron on Sept. 21 as a guest conductor.

“[Zander] is a riveting speaker,” Wilkins said. “He can open a window into the works, their meaning, his interpretation and his relationship with the music. This just happens to be a program that I think anybody would love.”

Wilkins also stated that the sweeping melodies and dramatic narrative of Tchaikovsky No. 4 should make for an enjoyable night for even those who are not classically trained musicians.

Tickets start at $12.50 for students with doors opening for the event at 6:30 p.m. The pre-concert lecture will be delivered at 7 p.m.

More information on attending Akron Symphony concerts is available on the Akron Symphony Orchestra’s website.