03/03/2026
"Passage and Pulse" offers a rich exploration of movement, memory, and musical form. Anchored by Saint-Saëns’s dramatic Piano Concerto No. 2 in G minor and Schumann’s radiant Symphony No. 2 in C major, the program traces expressive arcs that are both intimate and grand.
Ancient Airs and Dances Suite No. 2, Ottorino Respighi
Lauren Burchell, Serena Fornay, conductors
Piano Concerto No. 2 in G Minor, Op. 22, Camille Saint-Saëns
Wenqi Du, soloist
Hayoung Jeong, conductor
Symphony No. 2 in C Major, Op. 61, Robert Schumann
Alejandro Gómez Guillén, conductor
In Ancient Airs and Dances, Suite No. 2 (1923), Ottorino Respighi reimagines Renaissance and early Baroque melodies through the colors of a modern string orchestra. The four movements move from the gentle lyricism of “Laura soave” to the earthy energy of “Danza rustica,” the shimmering atmosphere of “Campanae Parisienses,” and the buoyant close of the “Bergamasca.” Rather than recreating the past, Respighi lets these early dances glow in a new orchestral light.
Camille Saint-Saëns’s Piano Concerto No. 2 in G minor (1868) begins unexpectedly, with a solemn, improvisatory piano introduction reminiscent of Bach before launching into drama and virtuosity. The concerto unfolds from intensity to wit to dazzling brilliance, blending clarity, elegance, and Romantic fire.
Robert Schumann’s Symphony No. 2 (1845-46), written during a period of illness and recovery, carries a quiet resilience. From its noble opening brass call to a restless Scherzo, a deeply personal slow movement, and a triumphant finale, the work transforms struggle into strength with sincerity and hard-won hope.
Join us for an evening to remember!
https://asuevents.asu.edu/event/asu-symphony-orchestra-passage-and-pulse
ASU students and Herberger Institute faculty and staff eligible for complimentary tickets.
