Curtis Symphony Orchestra: Osmo Conducts Bartók

Embark on a musical odyssey with renowned Finnish conductor Osmo Vänskä. The evening begins with Missy Mazzoli’s Sinfonia (for Orbiting Spheres), a swirling, celestial work inspired by planetary motion and the roiling drone of the medieval stringed instrument, the hurdy-gurdy. Henry Dorn’s powerful Transitions follows, a deeply personal tone poem reflecting on loss, transformation, and resilience.

The program features the world premiere of A Book of Forgotten Creatures by David Serkin Ludwig, a concerto for Grammy-winning quintet Imani Winds featuring narration by John de Lancie. The concert concludes with Béla Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra, a virtuosic showcase that transforms each section of the ensemble into dazzling soloists. Charting a bold musical journey across five movements—this masterwork blends folk-inspired melodies, modernist harmonies, and brilliant orchestration, making it one of the most beloved orchestral pieces of the 20th century.