Nicholas McGegan, Conductor. Photo courtesy Pasadena Symphony and Pops
Start your New Year off right with the Pasadena Symphony and Principal Guest Conductor Nicholas McGegan as he delivers Baroque Connections: Bach & Handel, on January 21, 2017 at Ambassador Auditorium. Highly regarded as “one of the finest baroque conductors of his generation” (London Independent), the two-time Grammy nominee will jump start the new year as only he can with his historical performance practice bringing a wealth of experience to this quintessential Baroque repertoire. “He’s a dynamo, a true animator, an energiser and an ignition point from which music can take off and take wing” (Herald Scotland). Don’t miss this chance to witness the “King” of Baroque interpretation at his finest, as he applies his special craft to the genius of these two Baroque masters.
For the symphony’s entrée to the new year, Soprano Sherezade Panthaki will take on four of Handel’s most popular and heart-rending arias. An acknowledged star in the early-music field, Panthaki has developed strong collaborations with many of the world’s leading interpreters including Nicholas McGegan. Her international success has been fueled by superbly honed musicianship and passionately informed interpretations, “mining deep emotion from the subtle shaping of the lines” (New York Times).
Colburn artist William Hagen will join the orchestra in the second half of the program for Bach’s Violin Concerto No. 1. A protégé of the Colburn Conservatory’s Robert Lipsett and legendary violinist Itzhak Perlman, William has been hailed as a “brilliant virtuoso…a standout” (Dallas Morning News), having already reached international acclaim at the ripe age of twenty-three. These two young soloists promise to bring together an absolutely riveting performance of a varied program of music, all in the masterful hands of Conductor Nicholas McGegan.
The Pasadena Symphony provides a quintessential experience specially designed for the music lover, the social butterfly or a date night out, and the inner epicurean in us all. For those who want to learn more about the music, join us for Insights – a free pre-concert dialogue with Conductor Nicholas McGegan, which begins one hour prior to each performance. Patrons who plan to arrive early can also enjoy a drink or a bite in the lively Sierra Auto Symphony Lounge, yet another addition to the carefree and elegant concert experience the Pasadena Symphony offers. A posh setting along Ambassador Auditorium’s beautiful outdoor plaza, the lounge offers uniquely prepared menus from Claud &Co for both lunch and dinner, a full bar and fine wines by Michero Family Wines, plus music before the concert and during intermission.
Performances on January 21, 2017 take place at both 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. at Ambassador Auditorium, located at 131 South St. John Avenue, Pasadena. Subscriptions start at $99 with single ticket prices starting at $35. Tickets may be purchased online at pasadenasymphony-pops.org or by calling (626) 793-7172.
