Three Romantics May 14, 2010

Juanjo Mena, conductor
Louis Lortie, piano

R. Strauss: Don Juan
Schumann: Piano Concerto
Brahms: Symphony No. 3

Romantic flames illuminate three great works from the passionate 19th century. Strauss’ first tone poem leaps off the page with strength and daring. Schumann’s Piano Concerto blazes with symphonic fortitude and fire – played here by famed Canadian pianist Louis Lortie to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the composer’s birth. Brahms’ autumnal Third Symphony is a grandly formed work, positively glowing with romantic heat.

Louis Lortie, OC, CQ (born 27 April 1959) is a French-Canadian pianist. He is known for his interpretation of Ravel, Chopin and Beethoven. He is an international soloist, and has made over 30 recordings on the Chandos label.

Born in Montreal, Louis Lortie made his debut with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra at the age of thirteen and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra three years later. Soon after he performed an historic tour of the People’s Republic of China and Japan.

He won First Prize in the Busoni Competition in 1984. He was also a prize-winner at the Leeds Competition. He was named an Officer of the Order of Canada, and was made a Knight of the National Order of Quebec as well as an honorary doctorate from Université Laval. He also teaches at Italy’s renowned piano institute at Imola and currently lives in Berlin.

Tickets can be purchased by calling the Box Office at (410) 783-800 or toll-free at 1-877-BSO-1444. Tickets are also available online at bsomusic.org. Groups of 15+ receive exclusive discounts and benefits to ensure a memorable and affordable outing; please contact Kristen Pohl at (410) 783-8170 for group ticket inquiries.