Peninsula Symphony's Mahler's Fifth

A magnificent evening celebrating two blockbuster masterworks, Mahler's Fifth Symphony and Mendelssohn's Violing Concerto, with Jing Wang, Violin.

Consider it a musical “double bill” of two blockbuster masterworks. That’s what the acclaimed Peninsula Symphony (www.peninsulasymphony.org) has in store on May 16 and 17 when the ensemble presents Mahler’s mighty Symphony No. 5 in C major and Mendelssohn’s sunny and energetic Violin Concerto in E, Op. 64, one of his last orchestra pieces. These two equally great Romantic compositions explore vastly different emotional landscapes – making for a powerful and magnificent evening of music: Friday, May 16 at the San Mateo Performing Arts Center (600 N. Delaware St., San Mateo) and Saturday, May 17 at the Flint Center (21250 Stevens Creek Blvd., De Anza College, Cupertino) both at 8pm. Tickets are $34 for General Admission and $29 for Seniors/Students.

“Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto is a virtuoso work which features some fabulous displays of technical prowess from the soloist. But it also showers the audience in a steady stream of rich and warm-hearted rhapsodic melody,” said Peninsula Symphony conductor Mitchell Sardou Klein. “Our soloist will be the winner of the 2007 Irving M. Klein International String Competition in San Francisco, violinist Jing Wang. He is a mesmerizing performer, dynamic and animated, and his interpretation of the Mendelssohn Concerto will enchant you.”

Mahler’s Fifth is a tall and vast mountain of music, written for a very large virtuoso orchestra. Beginning with a funereal trumpet solo that explodes into fiery outbursts of orchestral temperament, it progresses through five movements of emotional turbulence, including the vehement storms and stresses of the second movement, a flashy scherzo, the haunting and profoundly peaceful Adagietto, and a breathtaking finale. Mahler’s world is as complex, troubled and tumultuous as Mendelssohn’s is contented and blissful. Hearing two of their most celebrated compositions in juxtaposition will be interesting and challenging.

The Peninsula Symphony, a 90 member community orchestra led by music director and conductor, Mitchell Sardou Klein, celebrates its 59th year of providing unique and first-class music to the Bay Area community. Of the 90 musicians, most are professionals who volunteer their time and talents to the Orchestra. This season the Orchestra performs concerts in venues from Cupertino to San Mateo. For tickets or more information visit www.peninsulasymphony.org or call (650) 941-5291.