Van Wezel Presents Detroit Symphony Orchestra

Maestro Leonard Slatkin raises his baton as the internationally renowned Detroit Symphony Orchestra tunes up for a concert Feb. 13 at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Tickets for the 8 p.m. concert are $65-$90 (with a limited number of "smart seats" priced at $30).

The scheduled program includes Berlioz, Le Corsaire Overture, Op. 21; Barber, Concerto for Cello and Orchestra, Op. 22 (featuring cellist Sol Gabetta); and Rachmaninoff, Symphony No. 2 in E minor, Op. 27.

The Rachmaninov composition is featured on a just-released CD on the Naxos label. "It is possible that of all the works in the standard repertoire, I have conducted the Rachmaninov 2nd the most frequently," said Slatkin. "Some 35 years ago I recorded the work, and with the passage of time, my approach has undergone quite a few changes. This new recording represents the first symphonic collaboration between the Detroit Symphony, myself and Naxos. I look forward to the completion of this cycle and to the many projects we have planned for the future."

Founded in 1914, the DSO is one of the oldest and most prominent orchestras worldwide, having performed with guest artists including Enrico Caruso, Igor Stravinsky, Richard Strauss, Marian Anderson, Sergei Rachmaninov, Isadora Duncan, Anna Pavlova, Jascha Heifetz, Pablo Casals and others.

The concert at the Van Wezel is sponsored by WUSF.

The Orchestra and Classical Series continues with Itzhak Perlman (3/1), Odessa Philharmonic Orchestra (3/2) and Lang Lang with the Schleswig-Holstein Festival Orchestra (3/30).
For more information and to buy tickets, contact the Van Wezel Box Office at 941- 953-3368 or log onto www.vanwezel.org. Dinner is available prior to most shows by Michael's on East at the Van Wezel by calling (941) 366-0007 or logging onto www.bestfood.com.