National Symphony Orchestra

Benjamin Grosvenor plays Liszt’s Piano Concerto No. 1
Anja Bihlmaier conducts Berlioz’s Symphonie fantastique

Concert Hall

Strap in for the psychedelic rollercoaster of Symphonie fantastique, Berlioz’s epic fever dream of obsession, ecstasy, tantrums, and wild ambition. The NSO also performs Bryce Dessner’s Mari and Liszt’s scintillating Piano Concerto No. 1 performed by the “one in a million giant of solo piano” Benjamin Grosvenor (The Independent).

May 9 - 11, 2024

  • Thu. May 9, 2024 7p.m.

  • Fri. May 10, 2024 8p.m.

  • Sat. May 11, 2024 8p.m.

Program

Anja Bihlmaier, conductor*
Benjamin Grosvenor, piano

Bryce Dessner: Mari** (NSO CO-COMMISSION)
Franz Liszt: Piano Concerto No. 1
Hector Berlioz: Symphonie fantastique

Strap in for the psychedelic rollercoaster of Symphonie fantastique, Berlioz’s epic fever dream of obsession, ecstasy, tantrums, and wild ambition. Conductor Anja Bihlmaier brings to life this escapist (and arguably autobiographical) tale of an artist’s self-destructive passion for a beautiful woman.

The NSO gets things buzzing with Bryce Dessner’s Mari, named for the Basque forest goddess, and Liszt’s scintillating Piano Concerto No. 1 performed by the “one in a million giant of solo piano” Benjamin Grosvenor (The Independent).

* NSO subscription debut
** First performance by the NSO

Grovesner quote

“He commands the stage with aristocratic ease… Mr. Grosvenor makes you sigh with joy… A temperament rare in yesteryear, let alone now.”

The New York Times

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