Season Cirque de la Symphonie. Cristian Măcelaru Conductor. Kabalevsky Overture to Colas Breugnon, Op. 24

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1 Season Friday, January 3, at 8:00 Saturday, January 4, at 8:00 The Philadelphia Orchestra Cirque de la Symphonie Cristian Măcelaru Conductor Kabalevsky Overture to Colas Breugnon, Op. 24 Márquez Danzón No. 2 McTee Circuits Barber Hesitation Tango, from Souvenirs, Op. 20 Ginastera Final Dance: Malambo, from Suite from Estancia, Op. 8a Saint-Saëns Bacchanale, from Samson and Delilah Intermission

2 24 Chabrier España Abreu Tico-Tico no Fubá Wagner/arr. Hutschenruyter The Ride of the Valkyries, from Die Walküre Antheil Hot-Time Dance Tchaikovsky Waltz, from Swan Lake, Op. 20 Sibelius Finlandia, Op. 26 This program runs approximately 1 hour, 40 minutes. Philadelphia Orchestra concerts are broadcast on WRTI 90.1 FM on Sunday afternoons at 1 PM. Visit to listen live or for more details.

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4 426 Story Title The Philadelphia Orchestra Jessica Griffin The Philadelphia Orchestra is one of the preeminent orchestras in the world, renowned for its distinctive sound, desired for its keen ability to capture the hearts and imaginations of audiences, and admired for a legacy of innovation in music-making. The Orchestra is inspiring the future and transforming its rich tradition of achievement, sustaining the highest level of artistic quality, but also challenging and exceeding that level, by creating powerful musical experiences for audiences at home and around the world. Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin triumphantly opened his inaugural season as the eighth artistic leader of the Orchestra in fall His highly collaborative style, deeplyrooted musical curiosity, and boundless enthusiasm, paired with a fresh approach to orchestral programming, have been heralded by critics and audiences alike. Yannick has been embraced by the musicians of the Orchestra, audiences, and the community itself. His concerts of diverse repertoire attract sold-out houses, and he has established a regular forum for connecting with concertgoers through Post-Concert Conversations. Under Yannick s leadership the Orchestra returns to recording with a newlyreleased CD on the Deutsche Grammophon label of Stravinsky s The Rite of Spring and Leopold Stokowski transcriptions. In Yannick s inaugural season the Orchestra has also returned to the radio airwaves, with weekly Sunday afternoon broadcasts on WRTI-FM. Philadelphia is home and the Orchestra nurtures an important relationship not only with patrons who support the main season at the Kimmel Center but also those who enjoy the Orchestra s other area performances at the Mann Center, Penn s Landing, and other venues. The Orchestra is also a global ambassador for Philadelphia and for the U.S. Having been the first American orchestra to perform in China, in 1973 at the request of President Nixon, today The Philadelphia Orchestra boasts a new partnership with the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing. The Orchestra annually performs at Carnegie Hall while also enjoying annual residencies in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., and at the Bravo! Vail festival. Musician-led initiatives, including highly-successful Cello and Violin Play-Ins, shine a spotlight on the Orchestra s musicians, as they spread out from the stage into the community. The Orchestra s commitment to its education and community partnership initiatives manifests itself in numerous other ways, including concerts for families and students, and ezseatu, a program that allows fulltime college students to attend an unlimited number of Orchestra concerts for a $25 annual membership fee. For more information on The Philadelphia Orchestra, please visit

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6 8 Music Director Nigel Parry/CPi Yannick Nézet-Séguin triumphantly opened his inaugural season as the eighth music director of The Philadelphia Orchestra in the fall of His highly collaborative style, deeply-rooted musical curiosity, and boundless enthusiasm, paired with a fresh approach to orchestral programming, have been heralded by critics and audiences alike. The New York Times has called Yannick phenomenal, adding that under his baton the ensemble has never sounded better. In his first season he took the Orchestra to new musical heights. His second builds on that momentum with highlights that include a Philadelphia Commissions Micro-Festival, for which three leading composers have been commissioned to write solo works for three of the Orchestra s principal players; the next installment in his multi-season focus on requiems with Fauré s Requiem; and a unique, theatrically-staged presentation of Strauss s revolutionary opera Salome, a first-ever co-production with Opera Philadelphia. Yannick has established himself as a musical leader of the highest caliber and one of the most exciting talents of his generation. Since 2008 he has been music director of the Rotterdam Philharmonic and principal guest conductor of the London Philharmonic, and since 2000 artistic director and principal conductor of Montreal s Orchestre Métropolitain. In addition he becomes the first ever mentor conductor of the Curtis Institute of Music s conducting fellows program in the fall of He has made wildly successful appearances with the world s most revered ensembles, and has conducted critically acclaimed performances at many of the leading opera houses. Yannick Nézet-Séguin and Deutsche Grammophon (DG) enjoy a long-term collaboration. Under his leadership the Orchestra returns to recording with a newly-released CD on that label of Stravinsky s Rite of Spring and Leopold Stokowski transcriptions. Yannick continues a fruitful recording relationship with the Rotterdam Philharmonic for DG, BIS, and EMI/Virgin; the London Philharmonic for the LPO label; and the Orchestre Métropolitain for ATMA Classique. A native of Montreal, Yannick Nézet-Séguin studied at that city s Conservatory of Music and continued lessons with renowned conductor Carlo Maria Giulini and with Joseph Flummerfelt at Westminster Choir College. Among Yannick s honors are an appointment as Companion of the Order of Canada, one of the country s highest civilian honors; a Royal Philharmonic Society Award; Canada s National Arts Centre Award; the Prix Denise- Pelletier, the highest distinction for the arts in Quebec, awarded by the Quebec government; and an honorary doctorate by the University of Quebec in Montreal. To read Yannick s full bio, please visit

7 28 Conductor Matthew Evearitt Cristian Măcelaru is the associate conductor of The Philadelphia Orchestra. He began his tenure as assistant conductor in September 2011; in recognition of his artistic contributions to the Orchestra, his title was elevated to associate conductor in November In addition to assisting Yannick Nézet-Séguin and leading several nonsubscription performances, Mr. Măcelaru conducts his own subscription week in the season. Other highlights of the season include a subscription debut with the National Symphony and violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter as soloist, a return to the Chicago Symphony, and appearances with the Florida Orchestra, the Naples Philharmonic, and the Alabama and San Antonio symphonies. He also returns to his home country to lead the National Radio Orchestra of Romania in Mozart s Requiem. He recently made two overwhelmingly successful appearances with the Chicago Symphony on subscription programs two seasons in a row as a replacement for Pierre Boulez. An accomplished violinist from an early age, Mr. Măcelaru was the youngest concertmaster in the history of the Miami Symphony and made his Carnegie Hall debut with that orchestra at age 19. He also played in the first violin section of the Houston Symphony for two seasons. Formerly he held the position of resident conductor at Rice University s Shepherd School of Music. A proponent of music education, Mr. Măcelaru was the founder and artistic director of the Crisalis Music Project, a program in which young musicians perform in a variety of settings, side-by-side with established, renowned artists. He also served as a conductor with the Houston Youth Symphony. Last year Mr. Măcelaru received the 2012 Sir Georg Solti Emerging Conductor Award, a prestigious honor only awarded once before in the Foundation s history. He has participated in the conducting programs of the Tanglewood Music Center and the Aspen Music Festival, studying under David Zinman, Murry Sidlin, Rafael Frühbeck de Burgos, Robert Spano, Oliver Knussen, and Stefan Asbury. Mr. Măcelaru s main studies were with Larry Rachleff at Rice University, where he received master s degrees in conducting and violin performance. He completed undergraduate studies in violin performance at the University of Miami. Mr. Măcelaru currently resides in Philadelphia with his wife, Cheryl, and children, Beniamin and Maria.

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9 30 Cirque Performers Cirque de la Symphonie is an exciting production designed to bring the magic of cirque to the music hall. It is an elegant adaptation of some of the most amazing cirque acts performed on a stage shared with the full symphony orchestra, showcasing many of the best artists in the world. The audience is thrilled and bedazzled by aerial flyers, acrobats, contortionists, dancers, jugglers, balancers, and strongmen. These accomplished veterans include world record holders, gold-medal winners of international competitions, Olympians, and some of the most original talent ever seen. Each performance is perfectly choreographed to classical masterpieces, raising cirque artistry to a fine arts level. Adding a stunning visual element to the concert experience, these aerialists and acrobats provide a three-dimensional entertainment extravaganza. Fusing the power and majesty of the live orchestra with the best of cirque artistry, Cirque de la Symphonie is the only cirque company in the world that performs exclusively with symphony orchestras. Over 100 orchestras worldwide have featured Cirque de la Symphonie in sold-out venues, adding energy and excitement to the concert experience, including The Philadelphia Orchestra in both Saratoga Springs, NY, and Vail, CO. This is Cirque de la Symphonie s Kimmel Center debut. Explore its website for images, video, schedule, reviews, and more:

10 Cirque Performers 31 Alexander Streltsov is a Russian aerial artist who started working with famed cirque choreographer Pavel Brun and producer Valentin Gneushev when he was only 12, performing on Broadway at the Gershwin Theater. The same year he won the gold medal in the competition among international cirque artists at the prestigious Festival Mondial du Cirque de l Avenir in Paris. His combination of natural strength, artistic expression, and grace sets his performance apart from other aerialists. Also known as Sasha, he has performed for three Russian presidents and the Bolshoi Ballet, numerous symphonies in the U.S. and Europe, and in elaborate theater and stage productions worldwide. He has made many television appearances, including the star-studded ABC-TV special Christopher Reeve A Celebration of Hope and the PBS nationwide broadcast of the Cincinnati Symphony s Fourth of July Celebration. Christine Van Loo is a seven-time consecutive National Champion, Female Olympic Athlete of the Year, and Athlete of the Decade in acrobatic gymnastics. She was inducted into the USSA (acro-gymnastics) Hall of Fame and the World Acrobatics Society Gallery of Honor. As a professional aerialist and acrobat she has performed in the 2002 Winter Olympics, at two Grammy Award ceremonies (with No Doubt and Ricky Martin), at the American Music Awards (with Aerosmith), at the Miss Universe pageant, and on Paul McCartney s European tour. She was a trainer and performer with NBC s Celebrity Circus, and she choreographed the aerials for Britney Spears s World Tour and the Stars on Ice U.S. tour. The mind-boggling strength and agility of Jarek and Darek s Duo Design provides one of the most powerful acts to be included in Cirque de la Symphonie s program. This dynamic and exciting balancing act consists of Jarosław Marciniak and Dariusz Wronski, former Polish national hand-balancing champions. They have competed and performed throughout Europe and the U.S., winning championships in Evian, France, and Sarasota, Florida. Over the past few years these prolific performers have thrilled audiences at several NBA halftimes, Cirque du Soleil, Circus Circus, Busch Gardens, and the national tour of Cirque Ingenieux.

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12 Cirque Performers 33 Aloysia Gavre is another incredible aerial performer from the Ecole National de Cirque, Montreal, with early training from Master Lu-Yi and the Pickle Family Circus School. Her aerial acrobatics and graceful maneuvers on the aerial hoop, suspended high above the stage, add three-dimensional excitement to the symphony and the music hall. She was the Special Prize Winner at the International Circus Festival in Monte Carlo. A veteran of stage and theater performances worldwide, she is best known as a veteran of Cirque du Soleil s Quidam and O. Her five years with Quidam established her as one of the best aerial artists in the world, and today she shares that experience with others as choreographer for Cirque Mechanics and Troupe Vertigo and as director of Cirque School in Los Angeles. Vladimir Tsarkov provides a spell-binding performance with combinations of mime and juggling feats. A favorite of the younger members of the audiences, his Red Harlequin act features rings, balls, and batons. He is a veteran of Circus Circus, Cirque Ingenieux, and various Cirque de la Symphonie performances. He graduated from Russia s prestigious State College of Circus and Theater Arts and won the gold medal at the Cirque de Demain International Festival in France. Elena Tsarkova, the Lady in White, is a graduate of the famed Moscow Circus School and first-place winner of the prestigious National Russian Circus Festival. From her Master of Sports in gymnastics, she developed into a unique and graceful performer with the Big Apple Circus, Switzerland s Circus Knie, and Germany s Circus Roncalli. Her combination of contortion, balance, and graceful dance moves has made her a major star with Cirque de la Mur in Florida and Circus Circus in Las Vegas. She is also a master quick change artist along with other magical acts involving her partner, Vladimir Tsarkov.

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14 Cirque Performers 35 Sagiv Ben Binyamin began his gymnastic career in his native Israel before moving to the U.S. in His mastery of trapeze, fabrics, rope, hand balancing, and acrobatics quickly attracted the attention of circus companies and major entertainment producers. His stunt credits include movies such as Polar Express and productions such as Universal Studios Spiderman Rocks. He is famous for his acrobatics with Teatro ZinZanni, Cirque Productions, Anti-Gravity, Cirque de la Mer, Velocity Circus, Eye of Newt Circus, and the Birdhouse Factory, and he has worked with major performing artists such as Cher. He provides an amazing rope act and tantalizing duo with Aloysia Gavre in a tango of balance and strength with Cirque de la Symphonie. Vitalii Buza began his gymnastic training in the Republic of Moldova and soon competed as an elite gymnast with the Russian national team. At the age of 16 he joined the Moscow State Circus as a professional acrobat and toured throughout Europe. After a move to the U.S., he starred in productions at Sea World, Universal Studios, and Walt Disney World. He has been featured in numerous TV ads and appeared in the Disney movie Enchanted. He also performed at the 2006 Latin Grammy Awards, the 2007 NFL Pro Bowl, the 2010 Academy Awards and the 2011 Latin Billboard Awards. He has performed for celebrities such as Donald Trump, Russell Simmons, P-Diddy, and Shaquille O Neal, and corporate events for major companies such as Microsoft, Formula1, Mercedes Benz, and Cirque du Soleil. He excels in multiple cirque acts, such as duo hand-balancing, straps, Cyr wheel, spinning cube, Chinese pole and the Russian bar.

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16 January The Philadelphia Orchestra 37 Jessica Griffin Enjoy the ultimate in flexibility with a Create-Your-Own 4-Concert Series today! Choose 4 or more concerts that fit your schedule and your tastes. Hurry, before tickets disappear for this exciting season. There s still time to subscribe and receive exclusive subscriber benefits! Choose from over 40 performances including: Tchaikovsky Week 1: Symphony No. 4 January 10 & 11 8 PM January 12 2 PM Robin Ticciati Conductor Stephen Hough Piano Liadov The Enchanted Lake Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1 Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 4 Tchaikovsky Week 2: The Serenade January 16 & 18 8 PM January 17 2 PM Cristian Măcelaru Conductor Hai-Ye Ni Cello Borodin Polovtsian Dances, from Prince Igor Tchaikovsky Rococo Variations, for cello and orchestra Tchaikovsky Serenade for Strings Balakirev Islamey TICKETS Call or log on to PreConcert Conversations are held prior to every Philadelphia Orchestra subscription concert, beginning 1 hour before curtain. All artists, dates, programs, and prices subject to change. All tickets subject to availability.

17 16 38 Story Title Tickets & Patron Services TICKETS & PATRON SERVICES Subscriber Services: Call Center: Fire Notice: The exit indicated by a red light nearest your seat is the shortest route to the street. In the event of fire or other emergency, please do not run. Walk to that exit. No Smoking: All public space in the Kimmel Center is smoke-free. Cameras and Recorders: The taking of photographs or the recording of Philadelphia Orchestra concerts is strictly prohibited. Phones and Paging Devices: All electronic devices including cellular telephones, pagers, and wristwatch alarms should be turned off while in the concert hall. Late Seating: Latecomers will not be seated until an appropriate time in the concert. Accessible Seating: Accessible seating is available for every performance. Please call Ticket Philadelphia at for more information. You may also purchase accessible seating online at Assistive Listening: With the deposit of a current ID, hearing enhancement devices are available at no cost from the House Management Office. Headsets are available on a first-come, firstserved basis. Large-Print Programs: Large-print programs for every subscription concert are available in the House Management Office in Commonwealth Plaza. Please ask an usher for assistance. PreConcert Conversations: PreConcert Conversations are held prior to every Philadelphia Orchestra subscription concert, beginning one hour before curtain. Conversations are free to ticketholders, feature discussions of the season s music and music-makers, and are supported in part by the Wells Fargo Foundation. Lost and Found: Please call Web Site: For information about The Philadelphia Orchestra and its upcoming concerts or events, please visit Subscriptions: The Philadelphia Orchestra offers a variety of subscription options each season. These multi-concert packages feature the best available seats, ticket exchange privileges, guaranteed seat renewal for the following season, discounts on individual tickets, and many other benefits. For more information, please call or visit Ticket Turn-In: Subscribers who cannot use their tickets are invited to donate them and receive a tax-deductible credit by calling Tickets may be turned in any time up to the start of the concert. Twenty-four-hour notice is appreciated, allowing other patrons the opportunity to purchase these tickets. Individual Tickets: Don t assume that your favorite concert is sold out. Subscriber turn-ins and other special promotions can make lastminute tickets available. Call Ticket Philadelphia at or stop by the Kimmel Center Box Office. Ticket Philadelphia Staff Gary Lustig, Vice President Jena Smith, Director, Patron Services Dan Ahearn, Jr., Box Office Manager Catherine Pappas, Project Manager Michelle Parkhill, Client Relations Manager Mariangela Saavedra, Manager, Patron Services Gregory McCormack, Training Specialist Samantha Apgar, Business Operations Coordinator Elysse Madonna, Program and Web Coordinator Patrick Curran, Assistant Treasurer, Box Office Tad Dynakowski, Assistant Treasurer, Box Office Michelle Messa, Assistant Treasurer, Box Office Patricia O Connor, Assistant Treasurer, Box Office Thomas Sharkey, Assistant Treasurer, Box Office James Shelley, Assistant Treasurer, Box Office Tara Bankard, Lead Patron Services Representative Jayson Bucy, Lead Patron Services Representative Meg Hackney, Lead Patron Services Representative Julia Schranck, Lead Patron Services Representative Alicia DiMeglio, Priority Services Representative Megan Brown, Patron Services Representative Maureen Esty, Patron Services Representative Brand-I Curtis McCloud, Patron Services Representative Scott Leitch, Quality Assurance Analyst