Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (USA): Elgar’s Enigma Variations featuring Young Artist Competition winners
$30 ($10 student)
- David Choi, piano
- Nikka Gershman-Pepper, flute
- Ezekiel Sokoloff, violin
Saverio Mercadante — Flute Concerto in E minor, Op. 57 (I. Allegro maestoso)
Sergei Prokofiev — Violin Concerto No. 2 in G minor, Op. 63
Edward Elgar — Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma Variations"
The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra USA is proud to present the three gold medal winners from 2021s National Young Artist Competition as they make their VSO debut on January 22-23, 2022 at Skyview Concert Hall and via livestream. David Choi of Los Angeles, CA will perform Liszt's Piano Concerto No. 1 in E-flat major; Nikka Gershman-Pepper of Los Angeles, CA will perform Mercadante's Flute Concerto in E minor, first movement; and Ezekiel Sokoloff of Salt Lake City, UT will perform Prokofiev's Violin Concerto No. 2, 1st movement. All three young artists were selected from a group of highly competitive entrants from across the nation, performing their selections in front of a live audience and a panel of esteemed judges in Vancouver, WA.
"Each year the competitors get better and better", said Executive Director Igor Shakhman. "Opening the competition nationally for the first time brought in some of the finest young musicians I have ever heard. Our audience will be astounded at the incredible talent on display."
The program also features the VSO performing Edward Elgar's fascinating and mysterious Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36, popularly known as the "Enigma" Variations. Premiered in 1899, the work consists of a theme and 14 variations, each one inspired by a friend of the composers. Immediately popular and highly praised upon premiering, it established Elgar's international reputation.
To keep audience members, staff, volunteers and musicians safe, masks are to be worn at all times when inside the building regardless of vaccination status. Additionally, the VSO requires proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test within 72 hours for admittance into the concert hall.