Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Returns to Athens with beloved masterworks

The following was released by the University of Georgia Performing Arts Center:

“The most elegant and articulate words fail to do justice to Stutzmann’s performance. She is a consummate rock star on the podium. With her precise, yet large and wild articulations, she doesn’t ‘conduct’ so much as she seizes the full potential of every note and wrenches it loose from the silence that preceded it.”—ArtsATL

The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra appears at Hodgson Concert Hall Sunday, Apr. 13 at 3 p.m. with two of the most popular works in classical music, Tchaikovsky's stunningly lush First Piano Concerto and Ravel's seismic La valse. The piano soloist is Van Cliburn competition silver medalist Anna Geniushene and ASO Music Director Nathalie Stutzmann conducts.

NATHALIE STUTZMANN

Nathalie Stutzmann is the music director of the Atlanta Symphony. She was principal guest conductor of the Philadelphia Orchestra from 2021 to 2024.

With several notable debuts including the Czech Philharmonic, Boston Symphony, Tonhalle Orchestra Zurich, and her conducting debut at the Musikverein with Wiener Symphoniker, her current season also includes returns to the New York Philharmonic, Munich Philharmonic, Orchestre de Paris, and Philadelphia Orchestra. In June 2025 she will return to Bruxelles La Monnaie to conduct Carmen.

Stutzmann has signed an exclusive recording contract with Warner Classics/ Erato and her first symphonic recording for the label of Dvořák's Symphony No. 9 and American Suite with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra was released in August 2024. As one of today’s most esteemed contraltos, she has made more than 80 recordings and received the most prestigious awards. She was named “Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur,” France's highest honor, and “Commandeur dans l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres” by the French government.

ANNA GENIUSHENE

Anna Geniushene’s fresh, layered, and powerful interpretations defined her participation at the 2022 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition — and won her the coveted silver medal and the adoration of fans around the globe. And the critics couldn’t get enough: “powerhouse sound, forceful musical personality, and sheer virtuosity … had this critic on the edge of his seat” (Musical America).

Accolades ensued — Musical America named her Young Artist of the Month in July 2022 and Pianist magazine featured her on the cover in June 2023 — and invitations from well-respected institutions followed. Recent and upcoming highlights include debut recitals for Washington Performing Arts at the Kennedy Center, Wiener Konzerthaus, Tonhalle Zurich, and the Bravo! Vail and Grand Teton Music Festivals. Anna’s most recent album — a deeply personal project of lullabies spanning several centuries — was released in September 2023.

PROGRAM

TCHAIKOVSKY: Piano Concerto No.1

RAVEL: Le tombeau de Couperin

RAVEL: Pavane pour une infante défunte

RAVEL: La valse

SUPPORTED BY

The Kleiner Foundation

PERFORMANCE TALK

Join us for a free pre-performance talk by Arielle Crumly in Ramsey Concert Hall from 2:15-2:45 pm.

BUYING TICKETS IS EASY

Securing tickets for UGA Presents performances couldn’t be easier. There are three ways to choose from:

1. Purchase tickets online 24/7 at pac.uga.edu.

2. Call the Performing Arts Center Box Office at (706) 542-4400, Mon.-Fri., 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

3. Visit the UGA Performing Arts Center Box Office, Mon.-Fri., 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (5 minute parking is available in the drop off circle at the Performing Arts Center for purchasing or picking up tickets.)

You may also create your own series of three or more performances (10% off). UGA Presents single tickets start at just $25 with promo code PAC25 and UGA student tickets are $10.