Oklahoma State University: Prestigious Philadelphia Orchestra To Perform March 10 In Its Debut At McKnight Center

Press release from Oklahoma State University:

2022-03-03

The McKnight Center for the Performing Arts will host the distinguished Philadelphia Orchestra led by Principal Guest Conductor
Nathalie Stutzmann at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, March 10 at 7:30 p.m. The concert is part
of the orchestra’s first tour since 2019 and marks its debut in Stillwater.

The Philadelphia Orchestra is known as one of the “Big Five” U.S. orchestras, a term
coined in the 1950s to describe organizations leading the field in musical excellence.
It is the second symphony with this distinction to perform at The McKnight Center,
following performances by the New York Philharmonic in 2019.

The program highlights the versatility of the orchestra and includes American female
composer Missy Mazzoli’s "Sinfonia (for Orbiting Spheres)," which the composer describes
as “music in the shape of a solar system, a collection of rococo loops that twist
around each other within a larger orbit.”  It will also feature one of the most popular
violin concertos, Violin Concerto No. 1 by Max Bruch, and Franz Schubert’s final and
majestic Symphony No. 9. Concertmaster David Kim will perform as the featured soloist.

“The McKnight Center was built purposefully for grand performances like the Philadelphia
Orchestra. Our state-of-the-art acoustics paired with the intimacy of the hall serve
to enhance an already incredible orchestral listening experience,” said Mark Blakeman,
The McKnight Center Marilynn and Carl Thoma executive director. “I am especially excited
to welcome Nathalie Stutzmann, the orchestra’s principal guest conductor. Ms. Stutzmann
has been called a rock star on the podium and is known for her expressive musical
leadership.”

Critics praise Stutzmann for her talent. According to "Seen and Heard International,"
“everything she touches emerges as incredibly musical.” She is considered one of the
most outstanding musical personalities of our time. Her charismatic musicianship —
combined with unique rigor, energy, and fantasy — characterize her style.

French hornist Ernesto Tovar Torres will perform with the Philadelphia Orchestra.
Tovar graduated from Oklahoma State University in 2014. Before he finished his master’s
degree, he earned a spot in the Atlanta Symphony, where he played for two years, which
launched him into a position to audition for the Philadelphia Orchestra.

The Philadelphia Orchestra strives to share the transformative power of music to create
joy, connection and excitement. The ensemble is aims to create an expansive future
for classical music. Tickets are in high demand and the concert is expected to sell
out. Advance purchases are recommended. 

This concert is generously sponsored by the Chickasaw Nation and with the assistance
of the Oklahoma Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts. Masks are required
for this performance. The McKnight Center has enhanced health and safety measures
to keep guests, artists and employees safe. For specifics regarding COVID-19 safety
guidelines, please click here. For tickets and more information, visit mcknightcenter.org or call 405-744-9999. 

 The McKnight Center for the Performing Arts at Oklahoma State University is a world-class
epicenter for the arts dedicated to attracting celebrated national and international
programs with notable performing arts productions and artists. The McKnight Center
is an expression of OSU's commitment to the arts to inspire and transform lives through
artistic excellence, creative experiences, and impactful learning opportunities. To
learn more, visit mcknightcenter.org.  

This press release was produced by Oklahoma State University. The views expressed here are the author’s own.