Canadian Conductor Julian Kuerti Leads Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony

You’ve probably heard the opening four notes many times: Dah, dah dah daaaaaaaah. Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony has perhaps the most familiar opening in all of classical music. That rhythm appears throughout the first movement, and is only one way in which Beethoven broke new ground when the piece was first performed in 1808. (Click here to learn more.)

You’ll have a chance to hear it for yourself next week when Julian Kuerti makes his RPO debut on Thursday, January 20 & Saturday, January 22. (Use this link for concert details.)

One of the most significant conducting talents to emerge in recent years, this Canadian conductor comes from a very musical family: his father is the famed pianist Anton Kuerti. Julian Kuerti recently completed a post as assistant conductor to James Levine at the Boston Symphony and has led orchestras across North America. Before beginning his studies in conducting, he completed an honors degree in engineering and physics and performed as concertmaster and violin soloist. He also toured Brazil with the Toronto-based world-music band Kahana. Click here to read more about Julian Kuerti.

This concert also features the debut of violinist Karen Gomyo, who performs Prokofiev’s Second Violin Concerto. She is a recipient of the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant and has performed with orchestras around the world. Born in Tokyo and raised in Montreal, she has been described as "a first-rate artist of real musical command, vitality, brilliance, and intensity" (Chicago Tribune). Use this link to read about Karen Gomyo.

Tickets start at $15. For tickets, call 454-2100 or click here to buy online.