National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine

“This is an orchestra with many virtues. Its strings can conjure up a vibrant songfulness; the woodwinds have a fruity, penetrating ripeness; the brass could endanger the walls of Jericho . . .”—Sydney Morning Herald

Founded in 1918 as Ukrainian State Symphony Orchestra, the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine is the most-recorded orchestra in any former Soviet territory and has long been recognized as one of the finest orchestras of Eastern Europe. The Schwartz Center welcomes the orchestra for its first tour in the U.S. since conflict in its country began. Grammy Award–winning Ukrainian conductor Volodymyr Sirenko leads the orchestra with renowned cellist Natalia Khoma performing Haydn’s Cello Concerto. The first and only Ukrainian cellist to have won at the prestigious Tchaikovsky Competition, Khoma has since distinguished herself as a recitalist and soloist with orchestras throughout the world. As Charleston Today notes, “Natalia … engulfs the instrument, leans on it, and somehow puts it under a spell so that it becomes her own heart and soul uttering all manner of emotion.”

Conductor: Volodymyr Sirenko
Soloist: Natalia Khoma, cello

Program:
Dmitry Bortniansky | Sinfonia Concertante in B-flat Major
Franz Joseph Haydn | Cello Concerto No. 1 in C Major, Hob. VIIb:1

Intermission

Jean Sibelius | Symphony No. 3 in C Major, op. 52