The Bilkent Symphony Orchestra’s annual Valentine’s Day concert took place in the Bilkent Concert Hall last Saturday evening. Conducted by Rolf Gupta, the BSO performed tango nuevo works by Argentine composer Astor Piazzolla, with the Isabelle van Keulen Ensemble featured as soloists.
Hailing from Norway, Mr. Gupta has a wide-ranging conducting repertoire, which includes everything from Baroque music played on original instruments to classical symphonies as well as recently composed works. He brought this versatility to his reading of the Piazzolla tangos.
In the Isabelle van Keulen Ensemble, he had musical collaborators who have made a specialty of playing this music. Led by Dutch violinist Isabelle van Keulen, the ensemble was formed in 2011 with the aim of performing Piazzolla’s tango nuevo compositions to the highest technical and musical standards. Other members are Christian Gerber (bandoneon), Rudiger Ludwig (double bass) and Ulrike Payer (piano).
Backed by the BSO, the ensemble’s playing transmitted the poignant beauty, strength and melancholy of the Argentine composer’s works in a gripping way. For the audience, it was a fittingly evocative, darkly romantic Valentine’s Day gift of music.
Upcoming:
Saturday, February 20, 8 p.m., Bilkent Concert Hall
“Diva of the Viola”
Vladimir Kulenovic, conductor
Lise Berthaud, viola
G. Mahler, “Blumine”
W. Walton, Concerto for Viola
R. Strauss, “Death and Transfiguration,” Op. 24
Wednesday, February 24, 8 p.m., Bilkent Concert Hall
30 Years of Music at Bilkent Concert Series
“Tribute to Hoca Bey – Pianissimo”
Duo Blanc & Noir
Selin Şekeranber, piano
Yudum Çetiner, piano
Yoonie Han, piano
J. S. Bach–F. Busoni, Chaconne (from Partita No. 2 in D minor for Solo Violin, BWV 1004)
C. Debussy, Suite Bergamasque No. 3, “Clair de Lune”
F. Liszt, Grandes Études de Paganini
No. 6, “La Campanella”
G. Gershwin, “Rhapsody in Blue”
F. Say, “İstanbul´da Kış Sabahı”
D. Shostakovich, Concertino
S. Rachmaninov, “Vocalise”
W. Lutoslawski, Variations on a Theme of Paganini
F. Say, “Alla Turca Jazz”
Thursday, February 25, 8 p.m., Bilkent Concert Hall
“In Memory of İhsan Doğramacı”
Gürer Aykal, conductor
Toğrul Ganiyev, violin
D. Shostakovich, Concerto for Violin, Op. 99
L. van Beethoven, Symphony No. 1 in C major, Op. 21