Maryland Symphony Orchestra
Experience an emotional thrill - musical masterpieces performed live on stage, Hagerstown Maryland.
Brahms & Dvořák
THE MARYLAND THEATRE
Saturday, November 9, 2024 | 7:30 PM
Sunday, November 10, 2024 | 3:00 PM
Elizabeth Schulze Conductor
Benett Tsai Cello
Johannes Brahms | Symphony No. 3 in F Major, Op. 90
Antonín Dvořák | Cello Concerto in B minor, Op. 104
The classical series continues in November as the orchestra unveils the lush romantic landscapes of Johannes Brahms’ Symphony No. 3 in F Major, Op. 90, and Antonín Dvořák’s Cello Concerto in B minor, Op. 104. Elizabeth Schulze weaves the ensemble through Brahms’ masterful orchestration, where each note narrates a tale of passion and introspection, painting a vivid musical portrait.
Cellist Benett Tsai takes center stage in Dvořák’s Cello Concerto. Tsai’s artistry unfolds with sweeping melodies and poignant moments, showcasing skillful mastery and deep musical expression. Allow the evocative sounds of Brahms and the soul-stirring resonance of Dvořák, in collaboration with Benett Tsai, to transport you into a world of romance and emotion. This concert promises an unforgettable musical journey, where the power of music speaks to the heart and soul.
Benett Tsai appears courtesy of Young Concert Artists.
Concert Sponsors:
Dr. Robert & Mrs. Marjorie Hobbs
MUSIC PREVIEW (Provided by Spotify)
Guest Artist
Benett Tsai
The music-making of young Australian cellist Benett Tsai has been described as “electrifying…flawless freshness” (Süddeutsche Zeitung) and “charismatic, heartfelt playing full of fluid intensity” (Sydney Arts Guide). A winner of numerous awards, he has been profiled as one of the thirty “next generation young musicians making their mark” by Limelight Magazine. He was first noticed internationally at the 2022 Grand Prix Emanuel Feuermann, where he received both the Third Prize and Special Prize for the Best Haydn Concerto as the youngest participant. Most recently, he joined the roster of Young Concert Artists upon winning the prestigious 2023 Susan Wadsworth International Auditions in New York.
Since his mainstage debut at the 2017 Musica Viva Huntington Music Festival, Benett has performed as a soloist with orchestras such as the Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin, Kammerphilharmonie Metamorphosen Berlin, Sinfonia Lahti, Canberra Symphony Orchestra, and the Australian Chamber Orchestra Academy. He has also appeared in recital at the Shanghai Oriental Arts Center, Berliner Philharmonie, Helsinki Music Centre, City Recital Hall in Sydney, and Melbourne Recital Centre among other venues worldwide. In 2020, he was featured in the documentary film, The Way Forward, where he collaborated with pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet.
Recent performance highlights include Shostakovich’s Cello Concerto No. 1 with the Colburn Orchestra and maestro Esa-Pekka Salonen at The Soraya in Los Angeles; a nationwide tour of Australia as a part of Kathryn Selby & Friends, and both solo and chamber music appearances at the Verbier Festival Academy in the summer.
Born in 2003, Benett commenced cello studies at the age of five with his uncle, Thomas Tsai. He is currently an undergraduate student of Clive Greensmith at the Colburn School in Los Angeles. Previously, he also studied with Susan Blake and Li-Wei Qin. His other significant influences include Ralph Kirshbaum, Steven Isserlis, Alban Gerhardt, and his pianist father, Joshua Tsai.
Young Concert Artists represents cellist Benett Tsai for worldwide engagements.
