8 PM Concerts in Schuster Center feature guest pianist Alon Goldstein and works by Wirén, Grieg, and Sibelius

Dayton, Ohio (February 8, 2007) – On Thursday, February 22 and Saturday, February 24 at 8 pm in the Schuster Center, Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra Music Director Neal Gittleman and guest pianist Alon Goldstein will conduct a musical voyage through the land of white nights and stormy Baltic waters.

The spirit of Mozart might have inspired Dag Wirén, when he wrote his brisk, unprompted, and hopeful Serenade for Strings, op. 11. The romanticism of Mendelssohn, Schumann, and Liszt permeate Edvard Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A minor, op. 16…at least stylistically. Like a man possessed, Jean Sibelius rethought and reworked his Symphony No. 5 in E flat major, op. 82 for over two years.

While the guiding spirits may be classical and romantic, all three works possess the true soul of their collective northern roots. Sounds that emerge almost magically from misty textures, ambrosial Norwegian flavors, boldly contrasting themes, fresh exciting designs… all this bespeaks the musical legacy of Nordic climes and temperaments.

Tickets $11 – $58

Prior to the concert at 7 pm, Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra Assistant Conductor Patrick Reynolds will host a Take Note discussion in the Mead Theatre.