Pinchas Zuckerman plays Berlioz's Harold in Italy June 6, 2008

Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Berlioz: Harold in Italy

Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Leonard Slatkin, conductor
Pinchas Zukerman, viola

Hindemith - Overture to News of the Day
Hindemith - Trauermusik for Viola and Strings
Friedman - Sacred Heart: Explosion *
Berlioz - Harold in Italy

* Chicago premiere

National Arts Centre Orchestra of Canada's Music Director Pinchas Zukerman returns as soloist in two showpieces for viola. Hindemith wrote his Trauermusik in a day and a half in response to the death of King George V of England. Harold in Italy is one of Berlioz's most ingenious works, a grand symphony inspired by Byron's poetry with a heroic role for solo viola.

Described as “thoroughly modern, highly intelligent music” by The Washington Times after its 2007 premiere, Sacred Heart: Explosion by Jefferson Friedman is based on the work of visionary artist Henry Darger of Chicago (1892-1972). The piece receives its Chicago premiere in these performances.

Official Website: http://www.cso.org