The Power of the Muse
The Power of the Muse
SATURDAY, AUGUST 20 | 7:30pm
School for Creative & Performing Arts Corbett Theatre, DOWNTOWN
108 W Central Pkwy, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Prelude Talk: 6:45pm | SCPA Mayerson Theater
Preconcert Display: 6:45pm | Lobby | Artists from the Art Academy of Cincinnati
Eckart Preu, conductor
Vijay Venkatesh, piano
Victoria Okafor, soprano
LILI BOULANGER: D’un Matin de Printemps (CCO Premiere)
CLARA SCHUMANN: Piano Concerto in A Minor, Op. 7 (CCO Premiere)
I. Allegro maestoso
II. Romanze: Andante non troppo con grazia
III. Finale: Allegro non troppo – Allegro molto
GUSTAV MAHLER, arr. KLAUS SIMON: Symphony No. 4 in G Major (CCO Premiere)
I. Bedächtig. Nicht eilen
II. In gemächlicher Bewegung. Ohne Hast
III. Ruhevoll
IV. Sehr behaglich (“Wir genießen die himmlischen Freuden”)
Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes with a 15-minute intermission
Wine will be available for purchase
“Power of the Muse” celebrates figures who inspire composers to create masterworks. Lili Boulanger was an extraordinary French musical prodigy. Inspired by Fauré and Debussy she developed a compelling musical language that is entirely her own. Her D’un Matin de Printemps (“Of a Spring Morning”) creates an impressionistic sound world that is full of vibrant energy and delicacy. Even before her untimely death at age 24, Boulanger succeeded in being the first woman to win the Rome Prize – the most coveted composition prize of the time – making her an inspiration for all female composers to come.
The brilliant Clara Schumann – the muse for her husband Robert, and Johannes Brahms – was recognized as one of the most important pianists of her time. Yet her accomplishments as a composer are still to be rediscovered. Award-winning pianist Vijay Venkatesh is the soloist in her dazzling piano concerto. She was only sixteen years old when she composed this concerto as a showcase for herself: bold, passionate, and imaginative.
Full of passion and joy of life, Alma Mahler was a prolific composer and musician. Yet she had no support in being a creative, independent woman in Vienna. Instead, she is remembered as a muse, supporter, and lover to brilliant, creative men – like her husband Gustav. Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 4 is full of light and love. It describes a bright cheerfulness reflective of the unearthly joy of heavenly life. “Silver-voiced soprano” Victoria Okafor will join the CCO in this inspired symphonic masterpiece.

Eckart Preu, conductor
Vijay Venkatesh, piano
Vijay Venkatesh Sponsors
Jeanne & Christopher Barnes
Victoria Okafor Sponsors
Mr. & Mrs. Robert J. Walker
Reception Sponsor

School for Creative & Performing Arts (SCPA)
108 W Central Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45202
- Washington Park Garage: The Washington Park parking garage is located directly north of the SCPA campus at 1230 Elm Street.
- Metered Street Parking: Metered street parking available on adjacent streets.

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