RPO to Capture History with Live Recording

For the first time ever, Christopher Seaman is recording live with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, and you have the chance to be part of the experience. On Thursday, March 10 at 7:30 pm and Saturday, March 12 at 8:00 pm at Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre, Christopher will lead the RPO in a performance of Vaughan Williams’ A London Symphony.

Then, on March 11 at 7:30 pm and March 13 at 2:00 pm at Kodak Hall, Christopher and the RPO will take to the stage for a performance of Vaughan Williams’ Serenade to Music, as part of the popular Symphony 101 series. Both pieces will be recorded live in concert, and will be released on the harmonia mundi label in time for Christopher’s 70th birthday celebration in 2012. Christopher’s previous albums were recorded in studio sessions, so these upcoming concerts will mark the first time he will record with the RPO in front of a live audience. Come and show your support for Christopher and the RPO, and be a part of this historic event!

The concerts on March 10 and 12 will also feature Mendelssohn’s Hebrides Overture and Schumann’s Piano Concerto, performed by Rochester favorite Jon Nakamatsu. Nakamatsu gained worldwide attention after being named Gold Medalist of the Tenth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in 1997. Since that time, he has appeared as a guest artist with orchestras around the world, including the RPO, and has toured throughout the United States and Europe, performing in prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall, and the Kennedy Center. Nakamatsu has released several albums, including two with the RPO, and the RPO's Steinway piano was donated to the RPO in Jon's honor. Use this link or click below to view video of Nakamatsu in performance, and don’t miss his live performance of Schumann’s Piano Concerto.


The Symphony 101 Series concerts on March 11 and 13 will feature an equally exciting lineup of pieces. In addition to Serenade to Music, featuring 16 singers from Mercury Opera, selected by Benton Hess, the RPO will perform works by Ravel, Sibelius, Prokofiev, and Bernstein. Christopher Seaman will share interesting stories and enlightening commentary on each piece, and you’ll also be able to ask questions of your own during the live Q & A session following the performance.

Tickets for the Philharmonics Series concerts (March 10 and 12) start at $15; tickets for the Symphony 101 Series concerts (March 11 and 13) are $24, or $10 for students (Sunday only). Both can be purchased by clicking here, or by calling 454-2100.