Robbins Lighter Classics: Martin Riseley displays technical acuity in energetic showpieces for violin

January 6^th, 2010

Violinissimo!

Thursday, January 14^th ’Äì 8:00 pm

Edmonton, AB ’Ķ The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra (ESO) continues its Robbins Lighter Classics series in 2010 with all things violinistic.  In a concert featuring a dazzling array of his favourite ’Äúparty pieces’Äù, ESO Concertmaster Martin Riseley returns to the Francis Winspear Centre for Music as guest soloist in Violinissimo!  William Eddins and Resident Conductor Lucas Waldin will direct the orchestra through virtuoso showpieces for the violin.

From the lyricism of a quiet Gershwin song written for the musical Girl Crazy, to the dashing display of a playful Tchaikovsky waltz, Martin Riseley’Äôs technical artistry has the opportunity to shine in a wide spectrum of deftly orchestrated pieces.  Saint-Saˆ´ns’Äô Havanaise for Violin explodes with a fiery Latin passion, the Oriental ambience of Kreisler’Äôs Tambourin Chinois will fill the hall with a warm Viennese air, and the final movement of Khachaturian’Äôs Violin Concerto in D minor offers a grandly assertive and energetic vibrancy. 

Ticket prices range from $20 ’Äì $69 (agency fees apply) and are available through the Winspear Centre Box Office.  Until January 8, tickets can be purchased for a special price of $29 (agency fees apply) ’Äì all seating areas, online only, at www.edmontonsymphony.com.

The next performance of the Robbins Lighter Classics series takes place on February 25^th, 2010.  The ESO salutes Vancouver and celebrates the grace, beauty, power, and thrill of athletic excellence in A Tribute to the Games.

Thank you to our series sponsor Bill and Mary Jo Robbins, our series media sponsor Global Television, and our season media sponsor the Edmonton Journal.

Sponsorship inquiries can be directed to Marc Carnes, Director of Development, at (780) 401-2518.

The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, marking its 58^th 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.