The spirited orchestration of Gould’s Cowboy Rhapsody, filled with yodels and cowboy calls, is complemented by two works by Behzad Ranjbaran. Concertmaster Nikki Chooi masterfully leads Beethoven’s monumental Violin Concerto in D major, celebrated for its improvised cadenzas.

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Nikki Plays Beethoven

Kleinhans Music Hall

Jessie Montgomery’s vibrant Snapshots, a 2023 BPO co-commissioned work, captures the playful essence of childhood under a looming storm, 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.

Sibelius Symphony No. 1

Experience an evening of orchestral brilliance with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, led by the esteemed guest conductor JoAnn Falletta. The program opens with George Butterworth’s "The Banks of Green Willow," a poignant piece that evokes the pastoral beauty of the English countryside and serves as a touching reminder of the composer’s unfulfilled potential, having perished in battle at the young age of 31. The evening continues with Behzad Ranjbaran’s mesmerizing "Concerto for Violin and Orchestra," a work that beautifully intertwines the rich musical traditions of his native Persia with contemporary orchestral textures. The concert reaches its zenith with Ottorino Respighi’s "Fountains of Rome," a vivid and thrilling depiction of Rome’s iconic fountains, capturing their splendor and the city’s vibrant atmosphere. Complementing this is Claude Debussy’s "La Mer," a masterful composition that conjures the dynamic and ever-changing nature of the sea, from its serene calm to its powerful, tumultuous waves. This carefully curated selection promises an immersive auditory journey through diverse landscapes and emotions, showcasing the exceptional talents of the orchestra and its soloists.

Fountains of Rome

Eastman Theatre

Champaign-Urbana Symphony Orchestra begins the season with exciting new sounds and old musical friends. The brilliantly talented Elissa Lee Koljonen returns to the Foellinger Great Hall stage to perform the mesmerizing Violin Concerto by the Persian composer Bezhad Ranjbaran. First championed by violinist Joshua Bell, this concerto has been praised for its exotic sounds and lustrous harmonies. The Symphony No. 1 of Brahms is among the composer’s most beloved works. Its big-shouldered and majestic outer movements are contrasted by the singing lyricism of its inner movements. Join CUSO for a night of memorable music-making!

Behzad Ranjbaran

Events

Upcoming events

Feb 23, 2026

MSM Faculty Recital: Blake Hinson, double bass · Manhattan School of Music

Past events

17 - 18 Oct, 2025

Nikki Plays Beethoven · Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra

11 - 13 Apr, 2025

Sibelius Symphony No. 1 · Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra

About

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