Playing with Structure by Gluck, Bloch, E., Haydn, Mozart, Stravinsky, Fra (2024/2024), Dirigent Daniel Hope, Presidio Theatre, San Francisco, United States

Embrace the elegant structure and exquisite restraint of Austrian composer Joseph Haydn, one of music’s most prominent “architects” during the Classical period. American cellist Sterling Elliott joins Daniel Hope and New Century for Haydn’s beloved first cello concerto, a virtuoso showpiece for the instrument. In the second half of the program, selections from Igor Stravinsky’s playful ballet Pulcinella offer a contrasting 20th century response to Haydn, using the amorous hijinks of the famous Italian clown to tinker unpredictably (and to the delight of modern audiences) with the shapes and patterns of centuries-old melodies.