Forbidden fruit tastes the sweetest is an adage that refers in part to love and in part to the attractions of things that are proscribed. This program explores both aspects. It features one composition inspired by a vibrant and doomed love affair, and another that was a wedding present, while also including numerous works explicitly banned or more subtly buried by Soviet authorities for many decades. Limited free registrations available at https://ForbiddenConcert.eventbrite.com

Recorded in the fourth floor Armory of Faneuil Hall, FORBIDDEN FRUIT is part of the In Honorable Company series of virtual concerts presented by Ballets Russes Arts Initiative in collaboration with the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts (established in 1638). This performance by BSO cellist Mickey Katz and pianist Jane Hua features music by FRANCK, RACHMANINOFF, LIGETI, WEINBERG and SHOSTAKOVICH, and will have its streaming premiere February 28 at 6pm, followed at 7 by a virtual Q&A with the musicians on Zoom. Available on demand after that, through March 7th.

César FRANCK (1822 - 1890) 1st movement of Sonata for Violin and Piano (1886)
György Sándor LIGETI (1923-2006) Sonata for Solo Cello (1948-1953)
Mieczyslaw WEINBERG (1919-1996) Selections from 24 Preludes for Solo Cello, op. 100 (1968)
Dmitri SHOSTAKOVICH (1906-1975) Cello Sonata in D minor, Op. 40 (1934)
Sergey RACHMANINOFF (1873-1943) Vocalise (1915), from 14 Romances, op. 34 no.14, Transcribed for cello and piano

Free registration ends on the date of the streaming premiere, but a donation of any amount can allow you to watch the concert after that. Ticket purchases and donations are shared equitably with the artists. https://ForbiddenConcert.eventbrite.com