Now in his early 30s, Kempf is recognized globally for his talent.
Each evening will begin with a free preview talk by host Alan Chapman at 7. After each concert, organist Lori Loftus will perform a postlude.
The Eastern-European-themed program will include Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “Prague” Symphony and the Piano Concerto No. 1 in E-flat Major, emblematic of the difficult, yet stunning, compositions of Hungarian composer Franz Liszt — considered the greatest pianist of his day.
The piece is one of Liszt’s early attempts at composing for orchestra, and features the exploration of his “transformation” technique, in which a musical theme is revisited while its rhythm, tempo or other characteristics are dramatically altered.
Also included are Czech composer Leoif $Capital { return "Š" } else { return "š" } Janáèek’s “Taras Bulba” rhapsody, composed in 1918, in honor of the armed militia, and George Enescu’s “Rumanian Rhapsody No. 1.”
Both called their pieces rhapsodies, but “Taras Bulba” is a darkly moody piece in honor of the titular Cossack warrior, the focus of a Gogol novel.
The “Rumanian Rhapsody,” by contrast, is a lilting celebration of that country’s folk dance history, written by a prodigy violinist.
They are said to be inspired by Enescu’s first violin teacher, a Gypsy fiddler known as Squinting Nick.
IF YOU GO
WHO: The Pacific Symphony, with guest conductor Carlos Kalmar and guest pianist Freddy Kempf
WHAT: “Brilliant Mozart, Dazzling Liszt”
WHEN: 8 p.m., today till Saturday; pre-performance talk at 7 nightly
WHERE: Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 615 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa
COST: $26 to $185
INFORMATION: (714) 755-5799 or pacificsymphony.org
