Bellingham Symphony Orchestra: Rise
$15-$52 (youth/student discounts available, see event description)
- Efe Baltacıgil, cello
Fazıl Say — Cello Concerto, Op. 73 "Never Give Up" (Efe Baltacıgil, cello)
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky — Symphony No. 6 in B minor, Op. 74 "Pathétique"
Celebrate hope and the resilience of the human spirit with cellist Efe Baltacıgil! This inspiring program features Emmy Award-winning composer Anthony DiLorenzo's Anthem of Hope; Fazıl Say's powerful Concerto for Cello and Orchestra, "Never Give Up"; and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 6, "Pathetique."
The program begins with contemporary composer Anthony DiLorenzo's Anthem of Hope, a melodic anthem, subtitled "Houston Strong," and composed to celebrate the resilience of the people of Houston in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. DiLorenzo is an Emmy Award-winning composer, trumpet soloist, and Grammy-nominated recording artist whose compositions have seen success in the concert hall and in film since the 1990s.
Next, cellist Efe Baltacıgil joins the orchestra for contemporary composer Fazıl Say's powerful Concerto for Cello and Orchestra. Also known as "Never Give Up," Say's concerto was written in response to terror attacks in Turkey and elsewhere in Europe. Say describes the work as "an outcry for freedom and peace." Efe Baltacıgil currently serves as the Principal Cello of the Seattle Symphony and performs as a soloist across the globe.
Finally, the afternoon concludes with Pyotr Illych Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 6. The "Pathetique" symphony—meaning "passionate" in this context—is considered one of the greatest symphonies in history and the most powerful testament of a composer.
A pre-concert lecture about the program by Dr. Bertil van Boer will take place at 2:15pm in the Walton Theatre. Doors open at 2pm and seating is limited, so please plan accordingly. These lectures are free for ticket-holders.
New to the Symphony scene? Check out our Visit Us page for a helpful FAQ, so you know what to expect: www.bellinghamsymphony.org/visitus
Looking for a more affordable way to experience the symphony? This concert qualifies for Classical Kids, Take-A-Teen, and Student Rush ticket discounts. Visit https://www.bellinghamsymphony.org/visit-us/ticket-discounts to learn more!
About Efe Baltacıgil, cello
Principal Cello of the Grammy-winning Seattle Symphony Orchestra, Turkey’s String Player of the Year, 2013, and awardee of the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant, Mr. Baltacıgil is lauded for his risk-taking, passionate performances that immediately capture the heart and imagination.
Recipient of the Peter Jay Sharp Prize, the Washington Performing Arts Society Prize, and first prize in concerto competitions of Istanbul, New York, and the Allentown, Pennsylvania Schadt String Competition, Baltacıgil experienced early acclaim as winner of the 2005 Young Concert Artists International Auditions. Recipient of a bachelor’s degree from the Mimar Sinan University Conservatory in Istanbul and an artist diploma from the Curtis Institute of Music, Efe began his professional career in the United States as Associate Principal Cello of the Philadelphia Orchestra before joining the Seattle Symphony as Principal Cello in 2011.
https://www.chambermusicsociety.org/about/artists/strings/efe-baltacigil/