Alexandria Symphony Presents Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini Pianist Sara Daneshpour will headlines with Rachmaninov’s masterpiece
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Alexandria Symphony Presents Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini Pianist Sara Daneshpour will headlines with Rachmaninov’s masterpiece

Under the direction of Music Director James Ross, the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra (ASO) will present Rachmaninov’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini with pianist Sara Daneshpour on Saturday, Feb. 12, 2022, 7:30 p.m., at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center and Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022, 3 p.m., at the George Washington Masonic Memorial.

A native of Washington, D.C., Daneshpour has garnered awards internationally and is a sought-after touring artist. 

The program, titled Dark Glow, opens with Finnish composer Jean Sibelius’ well-known and beloved tone poem Finlandia. Strings take center stage with Beethoven’s Quartet for Strings in C-sharp minor, expanded for orchestra by Maestro Jim Ross. One of his last works composed when he was completely deaf, the piece explores a range of joy and heartbreak. The program also features George Walker’s Lyric for Strings, inspired by his grandmother, who was born into slavery. A trailblazer among composers throughout his life, Walker was the first African American awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 1996. The program culminates with Rachmaninov’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, a set of 24 variations based on a Paganini’s theme for violin.

Audience members, musicians, staff, and volunteers are required to wear a mask while inside the hall and during performances. ASO is also requiring all attendees, musicians, volunteers and staff be fully-vaccinated, including a booster, if applicable. Alexandria Symphony Orchestra is committed to providing a safe concert environment. Schlesinger Concert Hall recently installed a state-of-the-art ventilation system. ASO will communicate with ticket buyers well in advance of each performance to establish what specific safety measures will be required to attend.

Both venues are currently operating at 100%. Seating is very limited at the George Washington Masonic Memorial, so book your tickets early.

Adult tickets start at $20. Military, senior, student and group discounts are also available. To order tickets and for more information, visit www.alexsym.org or call (703) 548-0885.

Free parking provided by the ASO at both venues.