Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4

Passion defined Tchaikovsky ’ s life, and the tempests of his emotional life inspired some of the most beautiful music ever written. His Fourth Symphony took shape during a troubled time and encompasses heartbreaking swings between despair and exuberant hope . It is led here by an audience favorite, the “ expressive and imaginative ” Xian Zhang. The concert opens with Britten's Variations and Fugue on a Theme of Purcell*, perhaps more well-known as The Young Person ’ s Guide to the Orchestra , but heard here in its version without narration. Principal Cello Hai-Ye Ni takes center stage for Haydn ’ s Cello Concerto No. 2. These concerts are part of the Ellenberg Philadelphia Orchestra Soloist Spotlight Series.