The Reading Symphony Orchestra, led by Maestro Andrew Constantine, returns to the Santander Performing Arts Center on Saturday, March 5 at 7:30 p.m. Pianist Joyce Yang, an Avery Fisher Career Grant recipient and a silver medalist at the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, joins the orchestra for Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 24 in C Minor. Also on the program is Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 1, and Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 5, often referred to as the “Reformation” symphony, for its tribute to Martin Luther.
Ms. Yang will give an instructional master class for select area piano students on Saturday, March 5 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. also at the Santander Performing Arts Center. The event is open to the public and is free, with a suggested donation for adults.
Ms. Yang will also host a talkback session following a 2 p.m. showing of “Virtuosity,” the documentary of the 2013 Van Cliburn Competition, on Friday, March 4 at the Theater and Recital Hall in Francis Hall of Alvernia University. The event is free, with a suggested donation.
The March 5 concert is Music Educators Appreciation Night, honoring the work of public school music educators throughout Berks County. A post-concert meet and greet reception with soloist Joyce Yang, music director and conductor Andrew Constantine and members of the RSO will be held directly following the concert at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Reading, sponsored by Zeswitz Music. The reception is open to all patrons showing concert tickets at the door.
Additionally, the concert features a performance by the Reading Symphony Youth Orchestra, as the RSO continues its season-long celebration of RSYO Music Director, Peter Brye.
Additional RSO concerts this season include music by Grieg, Beethoven, and Schumann on Saturday, April 2 at 7:30 p.m., and works by Dvorak, and Horowitz on Saturday, May 7 at 7:30 p.m. featuring bass-baritone Kevin Deas.