Looking to the New Year: Four Exciting Pairings Concerts

By Micha Poworoznik

An exciting series is beginning next month! 

Bring a date or your best friend for the fun and informative concerts that are part of the Pairings series. These performances are perfect for anyone – from someone who is new to the symphony to a seasoned concertgoer. To enhance your experience, each ticket to a Pairings performance comes with a complimentary food or beverage item. 

To ring in the start of this series and the second half of the 22/23 season, conductor Yaniv Dinur will join the ESO for Tchaikovsky & Shakespeare on January 20. This imaginative concert will give you the opportunity to experience the story of Romeo and Juliet through Tchaikovsky’s eyes. Let the music sweep you off your feet and enter a world of romance, tragedy, and beauty. 

Second in the series is Elgar & Mystery, conducted by Brett Mitchell on February 24. Learn about the musical mystery that Elgar took to his grave with his elusive Enigma Variations. To illustrate the genius level of composition by Edward Elgar, the ESO will play examples from the stage that will leave you scratching your head.  

Conducted by Kensho Watanabe on March 17, Shostakovich & Cello will showcase the virtuosity of the cello in Shostakovich’s most exciting piece for the instrument. The ESO’s own Principal Cello Rafael Hoekman will take center stage to perform this furiously difficult masterpiece. Also featured will be Florence Price’s Dances in the Canebrakes, composed in the early 1950s. Lost and unknown for decades, Price’s music has seen a resurgence as she was one of the first African-American women to have her pieces performed by an orchestra. 

The series will conclude with a bang – Beethoven & Joy – featuring the final movement from Beethoven’s glorious Symphony No. 9 “Ode to Joy.” ESO Artistic Advisor Michael Stern will lead the orchestra, four guest choirs, and four soloists on May 5 to perform one of the most beloved works in classical music. Even though Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 premiered in 1824 (nearly 200 years ago!), it has stood the test of time and remains one of the most recognizable pieces of music today. 

It’s not too late to get your subscription for the Pairings series! Shop our Holiday Gift Guide and get a pair of tickets to all four concerts for only $189.* 

*Subject to availability. Offer available in Price Level 2 only. Services charges not included. Limit of 8 tickets per Pairings concert. This offer cannot be combined with any other discounts or offers. Offer ends December 23, 2022, at 11:59 PM MT.