About
Santtu-Matias Rouvali conducts Schubert's Great C major alongside the world premiere of Kevin Puts's Bassoon Concerto for Judith LeClair.
Bassoon concertos are rare enough that a new one by a Pulitzer winner, written for the Philharmonic's principal since 1981, is a real event rather than a filler premiere. The Schubert on the second half is among the heaviest lifting in the symphonic canon and rewards Geffen Hall's rebuilt acoustic. If you are hosting out-of-town family, this program works even for people who think they dislike new music.
What to expect
About an hour and forty-five minutes with an intermission in the Wu Tsai Theater. The Price and the Puts premiere come first, the Schubert after. Expect a large orchestra, a solo bassoon placed front and centre for the concerto, and a long, propulsive symphony that runs close to an hour on its own.
Good to know
- David Geffen Hall is on the Lincoln Center plaza; the 1 to 66th St-Lincoln Center is the closest stop.
- The program runs approximately one hour and forty-five minutes including intermission.
- The Philharmonic's Phil for All program offers reduced-price tickets to a portion of the house.
- The rebuilt Wu Tsai Theater has strong sound in the side and rear tiers, not just the orchestra.
- Concert dress is entirely informal; nobody expects black tie.
- Accessible seating, assistive listening and large-print programs are available at the hall.
Going? Keep it.
Common questions
What is the world premiere on this program?
Kevin Puts's Bassoon Concerto, written for Philharmonic Principal Bassoon Judith LeClair and co-commissioned with the St. Louis Symphony and Minnesota Orchestra.
Which Schubert symphony is the Great?
Symphony No. 9 in C major, nicknamed the Great to distinguish it from his earlier C major symphony.
Who is conducting?
Santtu-Matias Rouvali, principal conductor of the Philharmonia Orchestra in London.