Reviews
Symphony returns to Sunset to welcome rising pianist and introduce composer
The Monterey Symphony will perform two pieces by a rising star, contemporary composer Jessie Mongomery (left), this Saturday and Sunday at Sunset Center.
On a High Note
PLAYING TWO iconic pieces of by master composers — and showcasing both a gifted contemporary composer and a talented young pianist — The Monterey Symphony presents its second concert of the season Saturday and Sunday at Sunset Center. Saturday's 7:30 p.m. show is sold out, but there are still tickets available for Sunday's matinee, which begins at 3 p.m.
Besides performing Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 2 and Mozart's Symphony No. 40, the symphony will play "Banner" and "Strum" by composer Jessie Montgomery. The former is a reimagining of "The Star Spangled Banner."
A native of New York City who stud- ied violin at the Julliard School, Montgomery is the Chicago Symphony's composer-in-residence. Symphony conductor Jayce Ogren called Montgomery's pieces "brilliant and tuneful." "People are playing her works all over the place," executive director Nicola Reilly told The Pine Cone.
The symphony will be joined by award-winning Israeli pianist Ran Dank when it performs the piece by Beethoven. This weekend marks his Sunset Center debut.
"Ran has never appeared with us before, but he and Jayce have worked together before," Reilly said. "He's just an amazing musician — we're thrilled to have him."
Because the Beethoven and Mozart pieces were written for smaller orchestras, the symphony will pare down from 80 to 45 musicians for this concert, Reilly added. ickets start at $44, with discounts available for students, teachers and active duty military. Sunset Center is located at San Carlos and Ninth. For tickets, visit (831) 646-8511 or visit montereysymphony.org.