Ginastera and Dvořák by Dvořák, Frank, G. L., Ginastera, Κυρ 06 Οκτ 2024, Aπό (2024/2024), αγωγός Cristian Măcelaru, Touhill Performing Arts Center, St. Louis, United States

Vibrant musical colors twist and dance in this varied program. Alberto Ginastera’s Variaciones concertantes and Gabriela Lena Frank’s Concertino Cusqueño explore the sights and sounds of South America, while showcasing the virtuosity of the SLSO musicians. Conductor Cristian Măcelaru illuminates the soul of Antonín Dvořák’s music, from the fireworks of Carnival Overture to the exuberant Sixth Symphony. “The only way we can eradicate darkness is by bringing light,” Măcelaru says. A few things to know: Gabriela Lena Frank’s Concertino Cusqueño is inspired by the music of Ginastera. “As a daughter of a Peruvian immigrant, I’ve long been fascinated by my multicultural heritage,” she said. Frank looks “to composers such as Ginastera, who 'illuminate new connections between idioms.'” “Every concert for me is a very special event because I get to share what is so close to my heart: the music that we create,” says Măcelaru. “It’s so important, especially today when there is so much darkness—with war, with loss of life—to bring more beauty into the world.” Dvořák’s Symphony No. 6 is a celebration. It caps his period of exploration and experimentation. It knits together many musical worlds: from Romantic yearning to tangy new harmonies to a fervor for Czech folk music. Here, curiosity and confidence combine in dances and songs.