Pacific Symphony plays Mozart & Beethoven with Elias Ackerley, Piano

FEATURED ARTISTS:

Pacific Symphony
Carl St.Clair, conductor
Elias Ackerley, piano

PROGRAM:

MOZART Symphony No. 32 in G major, K.318
BEETHOVEN Violin Concerto in D major, Op.61, arr. by Beethoven for piano

Click here for the full program notes

Pacific Symphony, led by Music Director Carl St.Clair for the past 34 years, continues to captivate audiences with its dynamic performances and innovative programming. The orchestra, known for its rich history and contributions to both the national and international music scenes, will imbue this program with unparalleled artistry. Soka Performing Arts Center is proud to be the home of the Pacific Symphony Chamber Orchestra.

Joining the performance is the exceptional pianist Elias Ackerley. Born in Shrewsbury, England, and having begun his piano studies at the age of 5 in South Korea, Ackerley has achieved remarkable success from an early age. He won several prestigious competitions, including the Manchester Beethoven Competition and the Scottish International Youth Piano Competition. Ackerley studied at the Curtis Institute of Music and is currently pursuing his master’s degree at The Juilliard School under Robert McDonald. His recent accolades include being a prize winner at the 2023 Aarhus International Piano Competition and a finalist at the 2024 Montreal International Piano Competition. Ackerley’s dynamic performances and technical prowess have earned him acclaim across international stages, making him a standout soloist for this concert. Speaking on the Beethoven piece, Ackerley says:

Celebrating its 45th anniversary, Pacific Symphony has grown into the largest orchestra formed in the U.S. in the last 50 years. Its reputation as an outstanding ensemble is bolstered by performances at prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall and its significant cultural exchange through tours, including a notable tour of China. The Symphony’s dedication to community engagement and education is reflected in its extensive programs reaching over 300,000 people annually, from school children to senior citizens.

Under St.Clair’s visionary leadership, the Symphony has commissioned and premiered numerous new works, continually pushing the boundaries of orchestral music. This commitment to innovation is evident in their diverse repertoire, ranging from classical masterworks to contemporary compositions, and their successful opera initiative, “Symphonic Voices.”

Attendees of this concert can anticipate an afternoon filled with emotional depth and musical brilliance. Mozart’s Symphony No. 32, with its vibrant energy and intricate orchestration, will set the stage for Beethoven’s Violin Concerto in D major, arranged for piano and violin. This piece, renowned for its lyrical beauty and technical demands, promises to be a highlight of the evening, showcasing the exceptional talents of the soloist.