Peter Bay Returns To Austin Symphony Stage

PROGRAM

Francaix – L'Horloge de Flore (The Flower Clock)
Roussel – Suite in F
Saint-Saens – Concerto No. 2 in G Minor for Piano and Orchestra, Op. 22
Debussy – La Mer (The Sea)

Maestro Peter Bay opens this all-French concert with two chamber pieces, L'Horloge de Flore (The Flower Clock) by 20th-century French composer Jean Francaix, and Albert Roussel's Suite in F. Francaix drew on the neo-Classic sounds he heard as he came of age. L'Horloge de Flore offers a good example of his style at its most accessible. This piece will feature Austin Symphony Orchestra principal oboist Beth Sanders. To conclude the first half of the concert, Maestro Bay welcomes pianist Andre Watts to center stage for a performance of Camille Saint-Saens' Piano Concerto No. 2.

Andre Watts burst upon the music world at the age of 16 when Leonard Bernstein chose him to make his debut with the New York Philharmonic in their Young People's Concerts, broadcast nationwide on CBS-TV. Only two weeks later, Bernstein asked him to substitute at the last minute for the ailing Glenn Gould in performances of Liszt's E-flat Concerto with the New York Philharmonic, thus launching his career in storybook fashion. More than 45 years later, Andre Watts remains one of today's most celebrated and beloved superstars. His performances each year with the world's great orchestras and conductors and his sold-out recitals and appearances at the most prestigious international festivals bring him to every corner of the globe.

After a short intermission, Maestro Bay returns to continue the Austin Symphony Orchestra's evening of French music with a performance of La Mer (The Sea) by Claude Debussy. Debussy was a widespread influence over later generations of composers, both in his native France and elsewhere. The three symphonic sketches that make up La Mer offer evocations of the sea from dawn to midday, of the waves and of the dialogue of wind and sea.

Concert goers can enjoy "Concert Conversations" with Bob Buckalew at 7:10 p.m. in the concert hall. These discussions provide an in-depth look at the composers and works being performed, including commentary on the social climate in which they were composed.

Performances for Andre Watts with the Austin Symphony Orchestra are March 14 & 15, 8:00 p.m. at Riverbend Centre. Tickets range from $19 to $42. Student Rush tickets are also available 20 minutes prior to performance for $5 cash and current student ID. -- www.austinsymphony.org