Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini

Michael Francis conducts international award-winning pianist Yulianna Avdeeva for Rachmaninoff’s beautiful variations on a striking melody by violin virtuoso Paganini. The most famous by far is the sweeping 18th variation, instantly recognizable from romantic films and pop culture. Inspired by comic book hero Superman, Michael Daugherty’s Metropolis Symphony stands out as a vibrant piece of American culture: “Daugherty is an extension of Dvorak and Copland but with a dash of DC Marvel comics and Andy Warhol thrown in,” Maestro Francis says. The program concludes with Ravel’s La Valse, a passionate waltz that Ravel himself described as “a dancing, whirling, almost hallucinatory ecstasy.”

Bonus! For every Masterworks concert, Michael Francis has personally chosen a surprise “mystery piece” to enhance the live experience. What will it be this weekend?

Classical Kids & Teens: Kids and teens ages 5-18 get in free to all Masterworks concerts with Classical Kids tickets, thanks in part to the generous support of an anonymous donor. At least one paying adult purchase is required per order, and other restrictions apply. These tickets are available in advance only through The Florida Orchestra Ticket Center. For more information and tickets, call 727.892.3337.

Yulianna Avdeeva plays the Steinway Piano from the Music Gallery, exclusive agent for Steinway & Sons.