Beyond the Score: a Look at Tchaikovsky's 4th

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Chicago Symphony Orchestra has created a unique way to bring classical music to people with the idea of illuminating more than just the sound of a concert, but really looking into the score itself. Designed not only for classical music aficionados, but also for newcomers looking to delve deeper into the world of classical music, the first half of each Beyond the Score® program offers a multimedia examination of the selected score—its context in history, how it fits into the composer’s output of works, the details of a composer’s life that influenced its creation—sharing the illuminating stories found “inside” the music.

Written and created by the CSO’s creative director, Gerard McBurney, live musical examples are called upon to illustrate the structure of each composition. After an intermission, concertgoers return to the hall with newly discovered knowledge to hear a performance of the work played in its entirety.

Here is just one example, sort of a taster:

You can download them from BeyondtheScore.org.

Or, if you're really fortunate you might get to attend a live performance. Typically this is only available on Sunday afternoons in Chicago, but it has become so popular Beyond the Score® is branching out their live performances. The New York Philharmonic and the Philadelphia Orchestra have borrowed scripts and videos to present the pieces for their audiences. The National Arts Center Symphony from Ottawa Canada will be performing Tchaikovsky's 4th Symphony with video screen, presenters and theatrical style lighting on January 24th and 25th.

Tickets for Beyond the Score® on Wednesday, January 14 and Thursday, January 15at 8 p.m. are on sale now at $19.00, $39.00, $49.00, $59.00, $69.00 and $86.00 (GST and Facility Fee included) at the NAC Box Office (Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.), and through Ticketmaster (with surcharges) at 613-755-1111. Ticketmaster may also be accessed through the NAC’s website at www.nac-cna.ca.

Half-price tickets for students in all sections of the hall are on sale in person at the NAC Box Office upon presentation of a valid student ID card. Live Rush tickets (subject to availability) for full-time students (aged 13 to 29) are $11 at the NAC Box Office from 2 p.m. the day before the concert to 6 p.m. the day of, upon presentation of a valid Live Rush card.

Groups of 10 and more save 15% to 20% off the regular price of tickets to NAC Music, Theatre and Dance performances. To reserve your seats call 613-947-7000 ext. 384 or email grp@nac-cna.ca.

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