Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra: Verdi/Mendelssohn/Mahler

From Maestro Benjamin Zander:

When Stefan Jackiw was 14, I invited him to perform the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto with the Philharmonia Orchestra of London. One of the cellists there said to me, “I have been in this orchestra for 25 years, and have encountered virtually every professional violinist. But that was the most beautiful Mendelssohn I have heard.” That was 20 years ago. Stefan’s career now takes him around the world regularly. But I feel it is time for him to come home to inspire the next generation of musicians in the BPYO. It is only fitting that he performs with us, once again, the Mendelssohn concerto. The program begins with the dramatic overture to Verdi’s opera Forza del destino.

The program concludes with Mahler’s First Symphony. It is arguably the most original first symphony ever composed, from its magical evocation of dawn at the opening to the thrilling climax of its vast Finale. This symphony—teeming with quotations from his first song cycle, the Songs of a Wayfarer—tells the story of his youthful hero’s absorption with nature, his adventures, trials, and ultimate triumph.