Brilliant pianist brings unique improvisational gifts and visionary interpretations to performances

Gabriela Montero

Wednesday, September 30th ’Äì 7:30 pm

Edmonton, AB ’Ķ The 2009-2010 Edmonton Symphony Orchestra performance season debuts The ESO Presents series with a dazzling pianist of natural spontaneity. Gabriela Montero, for one night only, joins your ESO and William Eddins on stage at the Francis Winspear Centre for Music for an unconventional evening of intense interpretations and astonishing impromptu soliloquies.

Having performed with musical luminaries Yo-Yo Ma and Itzhak Perlman at the inauguration ceremony for President Obama, Ms. Montero brings her internationally acclaimed stature and artistry to the Winspear Centre where she will open her orchestral performance program with Rachmaninoff’Äôs enduringly popular Piano Concerto No. 2. She will then proceed with a solo program, connecting to her audience in a completely unique and powerful way through improvisational performance.

Often inviting audience members to suggest themes or melodies for elaborate improvisations, Gabriela says, "I connect to my audience in a completely unique way - and they connect with me. Because improvisation is such a huge part of who I am, it is the most natural and spontaneous way I can express myself.’Äù

Concertgoers have a premiere opportunity to experience an imaginative fantasy world of instantaneously constructed musical creations and lush renditions of classical work. Ticket prices range from $20 ’Äì $65 (agency fees apply), and are available through the Winspear Centre Box Office at (780) 428-1414, or online at www.edmontonsymphony.com.

The next, and only other performance part of The ESO Presents series this season, will take place on June 1st, 2010. Prodigiously gifted organist Cameron Carpenter will stun concert patrons with his extraordinary musicianship and extreme athleticism not normally associated with the organ.

The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, marking its 58th season in 2009-2010, has taken its place as one of Canada's foremost orchestral ensemble. Its current roster includes 56 musicians from Canada and around the world, performing a wide-ranging repertoire from the great classical masterworks to pops and children's concerts. The presence of the orchestra and its enrichment of the community's quality of life are key elements in the stature and profile of Edmonton on the national and international scene.