Fairfax Symphony Orchestra – Prokofiev: Sounds of Genius with Claire Huangci, piano

The evening opens with selections from Romeo and Juliet, the bold and emotionally charged ballet score that brings Shakespeare’s tragic lovers vividly to life. Acclaimed pianist Claire Huangci then joins the orchestra for Piano Concerto No. 3, a dazzling showcase of pianistic fireworks. The program culminates with Prokofiev’s powerful Symphony No. 5, composed during the final months of World War II as a statement of hope and humanity.

Following its American premiere by the Boston Symphony in 1945, Time Magazine featured Prokofiev on its cover, quoting conductor Serge Koussevitzky’s praise: “The Fifth Symphony is] the greatest musical event in many, many years. The greatest since Brahms and Tchaikovsky! It is magnificent! It is yesterday, it is today, it is tomorrow.”