Dayton Philharmonic - Bold Pathfinder: Lou Harrison

The unique Classical Connections format features musical examples and explanation by DPO Artistic Director Neal Gittleman, followed by a performance of the entire composition. Directly following is a casual Q&A and an Ice Cream Social with a free scoop of Graeter's. 

American composer Lou Harrison is not as much of a household name as other composers, yet he should be. Considered a member of the “West Coast Maverick school of composers,” he questioned or rebelled against certain aspects of Western musical tradition in his compositions. Harrison worked to create new harmonies and tunings, giving his music an original, distinctive voice in American music.

The Dayton Philharmonic will begin the program with “Estampie” from Suite for Symphonic Strings. Then, Maestro Gittleman will give insight and explanation of Harrison’s Piano Concerto, along with musical excerpts to allow for greater understanding by the audience of Harrison's unique, stylistic work.  

On the second half of the program, the orchestra will perform the Piano Concerto in its entirety.  Harrison actually wrote his Piano Concert for jazz pianist Keith Jarrett. It is a lively, challenging piece of music in four movements, with the second movement, “The Stampede,” featuring the use of forearm chords and an octave bar—just one example of the dexterity required to play this piece.

Guest pianist Kristofer Rucinski is well versed in Harrison’s music, having previously performed the Piano Concerto on several occasions. The dexterous Rucinski hasn’t traveled far for the performance; he’s a native of Ashland, Kentucky and is currently a graduate assistant at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music.