Strings and Symphonic Psychedelia

Xian Zhang is into her second season at the helm of Seattle Symphony, and what better way to begin the Symphonic Series than with two huge treats. First, Canadian violinist extraordinaire James Ehnes graces the orchestra. The most decorated musician in the history of the Juno Awards with twelve wins, James Ehnes is renowned globally for his skill, regularly performing all over the world. He brings the flair that has made him such a household name to a performance of Bruch's beautiful Violin Concerto No. 1.

Following that, the evening climaxes in a stirring conclusion with Hector Berlioz's Symphonie Fantastique. A dreamlike, almost psychedelic flight of orchestral arranging, Symphony Fantastique narrates the composer's romantic pursuit of his eventual wife Harriet Smithson, a Shakespearean actress, from poignant opium-induced unrequited love and despair to effervescent sonic joy. A stellar performance to witness.