125TH ANNIVERSARY
2015–2016 SEASON
Perspectives: Sir Simon Rattle
Rob Davidson Esteemed conductor Sir Simon Rattle curates a Perspectives series that spans two Carnegie Hall seasons, beginning with a complete cycle of Beethoven’s nine symphonies, performed by the Berliner Philharmoniker in five concerts over five consecutive days in November 2015. For the final concert in the series—consisting entirely of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony—soloists include soprano Annette Dasch, mezzo-soprano Eva Vogel, tenor Christian Elsner, and bass Dimitry Ivashchenko, along with the Westminster Symphonic Choir. On preparing for this cycle, Sir Simon said, “Now, to do [individual] Beethoven symphonies is hard enough, but to do a cycle of Beethoven symphonies is something very different. It’s not only an Everest to climb, but it’s an extraordinary journey in its own right. And through it, in a way, you can see the Romantic and the modern orchestra being built. You can see someone building a whole edifice that will support the music of the next 150 years.” Sir Simon Rattle made his Carnegie Hall debut in 1976, leading the London Schools Symphony Orchestra. He has since appeared nearly 40 times, more than half of which were leading the Berliner Philharmoniker. His first appearance at the Hall with the orchestra was in the fall of 2003 with three concerts—the first of an exciting series of New York residencies. An eight-day residency in November 2007 by Sir Simon and the orchestra formed the centerpiece of Berlin in Lights, Carnegie Hall’s first international festival. Sir Simon Rattle was born in Liverpool and studied at the Royal Academy of Music in London. As a regular guest conductor of the Berliner Philharmoniker for 15 years, Simon Rattle became its chief conductor and artistic director in September 2002. As well as fulfilling a concert schedule in Berlin, the partnership tours extensively, and has garnered many awards for its recordings and pioneering educational work. An exclusive EMI artist for many years, Sir Simon has made more than 70 recordings for the label and has received numerous international awards. His most recent releases are Stravinsky: Symphony of Psalms (recipient of the 2009 Grammy Award for Best Choral Performance); Berlioz: Symphonie fantastique; Ravel: L’enfant et les Sortilèges; and Brahms: The Symphonies. He was knighted in 1994 by the Queen of England, and he has received many other distinctions in recognition of his artistic activities. He and the Berliner Philharmoniker were appointed International UNICEF Ambassadors, the first time this honor has been conferred on an artistic ensemble. The formal appointment took place in 2007 in New York City prior to a performance of Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring at Harlem’s United Palace Theatre, the culmination of a creative learning project presented by Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute in partnership with the Education Program of the Berliner Philharmoniker, a highlight of the citywide Berlin in Lights festival. Rob Davidson
Sir Simon Rattle
Tuesday, November 17 at 8 PM | Stern/Perelman Friday, November 20 at 8 PM | Stern/Perelman Berliner Philharmoniker Berliner Philharmoniker Sir Simon Rattle, Music Director and Conductor Sir Simon Rattle, Music Director and Conductor ALL-BEETHOVEN PROGRAM ALL-BEETHOVEN PROGRAM Symphony No. 1 Symphony No. 4 Symphony No. 3, “Eroica” Symphony No. 7
Wednesday, November 18 at 8 PM | Stern/Perelman Saturday, November 21 at 8 PM | Stern/Perelman Berliner Philharmoniker Berliner Philharmoniker Sir Simon Rattle, Music Director and Conductor Sir Simon Rattle, Music Director and Conductor ALL-BEETHOVEN PROGRAM Annette Dasch, Soprano Leonore Overture No. 1 Eva Vogel, Mezzo-Soprano Symphony No. 2 Christian Elsner, Tenor Symphony No. 5 Dimitry Ivashchenko, Bass Westminster Symphonic Choir Joe Miller, Conductor Thursday, November 19 at 8 PM | Stern/Perelman BEETHOVEN Symphony No. 9 Berliner Philharmoniker The Carnegie Hall presentations of the Berliner Philharmoniker are made possible by a leadership gift from Sir Simon Rattle, Music Director and Conductor Marina Kellen French and the Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Foundation. ALL-BEETHOVEN PROGRAM Symphony No. 8 Symphony No. 6, “Pastoral ”