Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra to play Brahms Valentine's Day Weekend

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This Valentine’s Day weekend, join Music Director Nicholas McGegan and Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra for the perfect celebration of romance and love. Pushing the outer edge of the orchestra’s repertoire, this program features the rapturous, heartfelt music of Johannes Brahms, one of the most sensitive and contemplative composers. World-renowned violinist Viktoria Mullova returns to Philharmonia Baroque for a performance of his stunning Violin Concerto that features one of his most well-known and well-loved slow movements. Also on the program, Brahms’ First Serenade, written when he was just 25 years old. Join “the most exciting American period-instrument ensemble” for the first historically informed performance of works by Brahms on the West Coast.

“I know what you’re thinking: ‘Philharmonia Baroque plays Brahms? Can this be true? Has Nic lost his mind?’” says Music Director Nicholas McGegan. “Our orchestra plays music on period instruments and we must remember that a lot of modern orchestral instruments are very modern indeed – so Brahms is not so far fetched really. His music really does sound different on the instruments of his day and, in our more intimate venues, the whole experience will not be like your regular concert-hall performance for thousands of people. It is a great treat to have Viktoria Mullova back with us for this most romantic of Violin Concertos and on Valentine's Day too!”

Visit www.philharmonia.org/feb10.html to listen to part of Ludwig van Beethoven’s Violin Concerto in D major, which Mullova performed with the Philharmonia Baroque during her last visit in 2007.

For more information, visit www.philharmonia.org or call (415) 252-1288.

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