Tchaikovsky Festival: Piano Concerto No. 2

JoAnn Falletta, conductor
Sheng Cai, piano

TCHAIKOVSKY  Capriccio Italien
STRAVINSKY  The Fairy’s Kiss
TCHAIKOVSKY  Piano Concerto No. 2

The Tchaikovsky Festival begins with an evening that showcases the breadth of Tchaikovsky’s musical genius. The concert opens with the vibrant and celebratory Capriccio Italien, inspired by Tchaikovsky’s travels. Canadian pianist Sheng Cai, known for his nuanced interpretations and technical brilliance, brings to life the seldom-performed Piano Concerto No. 2, a work rich with melodic invention and demanding virtuosity. Stravinsky’s The Fairy’s Kiss, a tribute to Tchaikovsky’s influence, weaves excerpts from his lesser-known works into a poignant homage. This program invites audiences to explore the legacy of Tchaikovsky through the lens of both his own compositions and those he inspired.