Composer

Arguably one of the hardest-to-master piano concertos, Rachmaninoff’s Third starts quietly, then unleashes an astonishing torrent of notes and hurtles to a jaw-dropping conclusion. In-between you’ll hear echoes of Slavic melancholy, lush themes and page upon page of passionate and virtuosic music-making.  The delightful Till Eulenspiegel’s Merry Pranks about the mischief-maker we can’t help but like, despite — or because of — the tricks he plays on deserving victims. Rounding out the evening are DSO-commissioned works by two eminent female composers, Sophia Jani, the DSO’s Composer-in-Residence and American Arlene Sierra.

Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3

Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center

IPO presents the work of Arlene Sierra, George Gershwin and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky in stunning fashion. Sean Chen, whom Wayne Lee Gay (Ft. Worth Star Telegram, Texas Classical Review) describes as owning “…an impressive technique, a remarkable command of piano sonority, and an unusual gift for building musical impetus,” takes center stage for what is sure to be a standout performance of Gershwin’s Piano Concerto in F. Also slated for the evening is Kiskadee, a new commission by Arlene Sierra

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Sierra, Gershwin & Tchaikovsky

Trinity Christian College

Thirty orchestras will take part in the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program. The unprecedented national consortium ensures that new works by women composers, each commissioned by the League, will be infused in orchestra seasons to come, with multiple performances throughout the country. The consortium’s initial six lead orchestra-composer pairings were previously announced, with more than eighty orchestras applying for the additional twenty-four spots.

Virginia B. Toulmin Commission by Arlene Sierra with Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra

Orpheum Theater

Big Chief Juan Pardo joins the LPO for a world premiere by Maxim Samarov which celebrates the unique, distinct, and remarkable culture of Mardi Gras Indians found in New Orleans. The performance will also include a new composition by Arlene Sierra and Wynton Marsalis' Blues Symphony.

Birth of a Culture: A Celebration of the History of Mardi Gras Indians

Orpheum Theatre

The University of Michigan Contemporary Directions Ensemble presents a tribute to composer György Ligeti, marking the 100th anniversary of his birth. The program includes his iconic Chamber Concerto, as well the rarely heard Hamburg Concerto, featuring SMTD faculty member Adam Unsworth on French horn. Also featured are Unsuk Chin’s Advice from a Caterpillar, Stravinsky’s ebullient Dumbarton Oaks, and Colmena by Michigan alumna Arlene Sierra, who will be in attendance as a guest composer.

Contemporary Directions Ensemble

Walgreen Drama Center

We are delighted to welcome SMTD Composition alumna Arlene Sierra back to speak to our community during a weekend featuring performances of her music. Her orchestra piece, Kiskadee, will be premiered this weekend by the DSO, and she will be working with the Contemporary Directions Ensemble to prepare a performance of her work on Sunday, October 22. Dr. Sierra will highlight not only artistic considerations of being a contemporary composer, she will also give “behind-the-scenes” insight into building a career as a composer.

Composer Arlene Sierra

Earl V. Moore Building

Violinist Clara-Jumi Kang is an artist "as ready to caress as to attack" (The Strad). In her DSO debut, she takes command in Korngold's gorgeously cinematic concerto. We hear new "feisty, energy-packed" music (The Guardian) by composer Arlene Sierra, and Zemlinsky's programmatic adventure takes us through the fairytale dramas of Hans Christian Andersen's original Little Mermaid. 

Composer

Arlene Sierra

Events

Past events

6 - 9 Mar, 2025

Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3 · Dallas Symphony Orchestra

Feb 24, 2024

Sierra, Gershwin & Tchaikovsky · Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra

About

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