Sibelius Symphony No. 1
Experience the evocative landscapes of the North as JoAnn Falletta leads the BPO in a concert featuring the vibrant Overture to Ruslan and Ludmila by Glinka, setting a dynamic opening with its lively and spirited melodies. The program then transitions to the contemporary colors of Behzad Ranjbaran’s Violin Concerto, performed by BPO concertmaster Nikki Chooi. Chooi’s interpretation promises to be a deep, soulful exploration of Ranjbaran’s Persian-influenced themes, a testament to the violinist’s technical prowess and emotive depth. The evening culminates with Sibelius’ Symphony No. 1, a masterpiece that conjures the stark beauty and profound solitude of the Finnish landscape. This concert promises an immersive journey through contrasting musical terrains, each piece a reflection of its cultural roots and historical moments.
Nikki Chooi’s performance is sponsored by Mark Chason and Mariana Botero Chason.
Program
JoAnn Falletta, conductor
Nikki Chooi, violin
GLINKA Overture to Ruslan and Lyudmila
BEHZAD RANJBARAN Concerto for Violin and Orchestra
I. Andante maestoso
II. Adagio sognando
III. Allegro con brio
INTERMISSION
SIBELIUS Symphony No. 1 in E minor, Op. 39
I. Andante, ma non troppo – Allegro energico
II. Andante, ma non troppo lento
III. Scherzo: Allegro
IV. Finale (quasi una fantasia): Andante – Allegro molto
Praised for his powerful and poetic performances, internationally acclaimed violinist Nikki Chooi has established himself as an artist of rare versatility. Gramophone has described his performance as having “total conviction and assurance.” Nikki is a Laureate of the Queen Elizabeth and Tchaikovsky Competitions, and was First Prize-winner at the Montreal Symphony’s ManuLife Competition, the Klein International Strings Competition, and the Michael Hill International Violin Competition.
Nikki is currently Concertmaster of the GRAMMY Award-winning Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra under Music Director JoAnn Falletta. Highly in-demand as a guest concertmaster, he has performed with the Boston Symphony, Pittsburgh Symphony, Milwaukee Symphony, Houston Symphony, Sydney Symphony, and Macao Orchestra. Previously Concertmaster of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Nikki’s solos can be heard through The Met: Live in HD broadcasts in productions of Verdi’s La Traviata, Janáček’s Jenůfa, and the GRAMMY-nominated recording of Strauss’ Rosenkavalier released on the Decca Label.
Nikki has been featured at many international festivals with performances at the Marlboro Festival, Ravinia Festival, Rockport Chamber Music Festival, La Jolla Summerfest, Brevard Music Center, Vancouver Recital Series, Moritzburg Festival, Kamermuziek Utrecht, Dresden Music Festival, Chamber Music New Zealand, and Fundación Beethoven in Chile. Additionally, Nikki performs with his brother, violinist Timothy Chooi on select projects and has also collaborated with esteemed artists including Yo-Yo Ma, Renée Fleming, Clayton Stephenson, Michelle Cann, and Time for Three. A passionate educator, Nikki has presented classes at Curtis Institute of Music, Morningside Music Program at the New England Conservatory, San Francisco Conservatory, Orchestra of the Americas Academy, Sphinx Academy, Hong Kong Cultural Center, and the University of Auckland.
In 2022-2023, Nikki made critically acclaimed debuts at Carnegie Hall’s Stern Auditorium as soloist with the Buffalo Philharmonic and at Lincoln Center’s Rose Hall with Orchestra NOW. He was also a featured soloist with the Vancouver Symphony, Puerto Rico Symphony, National Taiwan Symphony Festival Orchestra, Santa Fe Symphony, Hamilton Philharmonic, and Manitoba Chamber Orchestra. In past seasons he has appeared as a soloist with orchestras across Canada and internationally, including the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, National Arts Centre Orchestra, Victoria Symphony Orchestra, Louisiana Philharmonic, Chamber Orchestra of Wallonia, National Orchestra of Belgium, Auckland Philharmonia, Malaysian Philharmonic, and Hong Kong Philharmonic.
Nikki began his studies at the Victoria Conservatory, Mount Royal Conservatory, Morningside Music Bridge, and at the National Arts Centre Young Artist Program. He completed his formal studies at the Curtis Institute and The Juilliard School under the mentorship of Joseph Silverstein, Ida Kavafian, and Donald Weilerstein.
He has recorded for NAXOS, Beau Fleuve, Atoll, and Decca labels. Nikki performs on a 1713 Stradivarius graciously provided by the company CANIMEX INC. from Drummondville, Quebec; a 1749 G.B. Guadagnini on extended loan through the Stradivari Society of Chicago; and a 2016 Joseph Curtin. Nikki proudly endorses Thomastik-Infeld strings.
Join us after Sunday’s concert for our next Musician’s Nightcap as BPO double bassist Jonathan Borden hosts informal discussions with fellow orchestra musicians and patrons. This special event on the lower level of Kleinhans is free and open to all ticketholders on Sunday afternoon. Complimentary refreshments will be provided.
The BPO Coffee Concert Series is presented by:
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