Sarasota Concert Association presents
Royal Scottish National Orchestra
Peter Oundjian, Conductor, with Nicola Benedetti, Violin
March 16 at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
In celebration of its 125th anniversary, the acclaimed Royal Scottish National Orchestra teams up with superstar violinist Nicola Benedetti for its first U.S. tour in 35 years.
“There were riches aplenty for those who immersed themselves in conductor Peter Oundjian and the RSNO’s enthralling interpretations.” – The Scotsman
“Benedetti achieves what so many classical musicians don’t: she appeals to those who might not otherwise set foot in a concert hall.” – The Oxford Cultural Review
(Sarasota, Florida) The Sarasota Concert Association (SCA) continues its 72nd Great Performers Series’ season with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO), conducted by music director Peter Oundjian, with violin soloist Nicola Benedetti, Thursday, March 16, 7:30 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. The concert, a part of the RSNO’s 125th anniversary tour and the orchestra’s first visit to the U.S. in 35 years, features Borodin’s Overture to Prince Igor, Brahms’ Violin Concerto in D Major and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4 in F Minor. Single tickets are $45-$90. Students admitted free with ID; accompanying adults $25. Tickets and information for the Great Performers Series are available by calling 941-225-6500 or online at www.scasarasota.org.
Formed in 1891, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra has played an integral part in Scotland’s musical life with many renowned conductors contributing to its success. To celebrate its 125th anniversary, music director Peter Oundjian is leading the ensemble on a two-year 125th anniversary tour that began in October 2015. While the RSNO is well-known to classical music listeners for its 200-plus recordings, the anniversary tour gives American audiences the first opportunity in more than three decades to hear the orchestra live. “It’s been over 30 years since Scotland’s national orchestra visited the United States,” says Oundjian. “It is my honour and privilege to lead my fellow musicians on this tour.”
British-Canadian conductor Peter Oundjian was appointed music director in 2012 and, since then, has won acclaim for his probing musicality, collaborative spirit, and engaging personality. During its first five seasons with Oundjian at the helm, the RSNO undertook an artistically and critically successful first tour of China, performed at the BBC Proms and Edinburgh International Festival and released two recordings. “Under Mr. Oundjian,” writes the New York Times, “the orchestra has maintained its shine, but it now packs a firm punch as well.” Oundjian is also music director of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Since 1981, he has served as a visiting professor at the Yale School of Music, and was awarded the university’s Sanford Medal in 2013.
Nicola Benedetti is one of the most sought-after violinists of her generation. Her ability to captivate audiences with her innate musicianship and dynamic presence, coupled with her wide appeal as a high-profile advocate for classical music, has made her one of the most influential classical artists of today. Most recently Benedetti has enjoyed collaborations with the London Symphony Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, Orchestra of the Mariinsky Theatre, Verdi Orchestra Milano, Camerata Salzburg, Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl, the Chicago Symphony at the Ravinia Festival and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. The enormous success of her recording, “Homecoming; A Scottish Fantasy,” made Benedetti the first solo British violinist since the 1990s to enter the Top 20 of the official UK albums chart. Benedetti is also credited with broadening the appeal of classical music to young and new audiences through her extensive education outreach work and appearances at events such the Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony and iTunes Festival.
“I’m thrilled that we are joined by one of the RSNO’s favourite soloists, Nicola Benedetti,” says Oundjiansbs. “Our shared passion for the concertos of Brahms and Bruch is sure to bring performances of deep commitment.”
The SCA concludes its 2017-18 Great Performers Series season on March 30 with Sergei Babayan and Daniil Trifonov, 7:30 p.m. at the Van Wezel. Tickets are available at www.scasarasota.org.
SCA also presents a series of free daytime concerts that include performances by high-caliber, area-based artists, continuing through April 2017. The Music Matinee Series is designed to offer a variety of musical genres, including classical, folk, and jazz, featuring both vocal and instrumental performers. For more information about the 2016-2017 Music Matinee Series, visit www.scasarasota.org.
About the Sarasota Concert Association
The Sarasota Concert Association (SCA) is a nonprofit organization that fosters greater appreciation for world-class classical music by offering the community two engaging programs from November to April. The Great Performers Series, in its 72nd season, brings world-renowned orchestras and chamber groups to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and the Riverview Performing Arts Center. The Music Matinee Series features outstanding regional artists in free community concerts at Beatrice Friedman Symphony Hall and other venues. For more information about SCA, visit www.scasarasota.org.
