Masterpiece IV Walking Among Giants

JUNG-HO PAK, CONDUCTOR
JON KIMURA PARKER, PIANO

Giants take giant steps. In 1921, a Russian pianist and “scandalously modern composer” named Prokofiev borrowed $300 and left his worn-torn homeland, hoping to find an audience for his third concerto in America. Decades later, pianist Jon Kimura Parker took a giant step of his own, making his stunning Carnegie Hall debut with the Russian’s now critically-acclaimed piece, known as the “Giant.” This year marks Parker’s 30th anniversary performing this famously difficult masterpiece which positions both soloist and orchestra as mighty protagonists. Another place, another time. Mahler, Vienna’s brilliant conductor, crosses a different threshold with the premier of his fourth symphony, so beautifully interlaced with a song, a child’s view of heaven. To capture the music’s purity, innocence and wonder, a young boy will perform the solo, usually sung by a soprano, Mahler often said “my time will come.” Maestro Pak, a master interpreter of the composer, and the orchestra will prove that it will
always be. Join us as we walk among Giants.

SYMPHONY NO. 4 | Gustav Mahler
PIANO CONCERTO NO. 3 | Sergei Prokofiev