South Florida Symphony Orchestra (SFSO), led by Sebrina María Alfonso, will present Mozart’s Concerto for Two Pianos in E-flat Major, K. 365, featuring Catherine Lan and Tao Lin of Duo Beaux Arts, Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 3 in A minor, Opus 56, “Scotch” and Rossini’s The Italian Girl in Algiers Overture as part of its Masterworks IV series. The concert will commence on March 23, at 7:30 p.m., at The Parker in Fort Lauderdale.
The program begins with the sparkling overture to Rossini’s comic opera The Italian Girl in Algiers, which is said to be among the most memorable in all of Rossini’s work. It is known for its distinct opening of slow, quiet woodwinds in imitation of pizzicato strings, leading to a sudden loud burst of sound from the full ensemble.
The concert continues with Mozart’s Concerto for Two Pianos in E-flat Major, K. 365, featuring the dynamic Catherine Lan and Tao Lin — husband and wife – of Duo Beaux Arts. The pair will join SFSO on the mainstage for the first time, performing one of the limited number of Mozart works for two or more solo instruments with orchestra. They were regular performers during SFSO’s virtual Intermission Music Series, presented for free during Covid shutdown. Lan also performs as a member of the South Florida Symphony Orchestra, most recently during its Handel’s Messiah concerts. Formed in 2008, Duo Beaux Arts is critically acclaimed for its adrenalized performances across Europe and the United States. The pair has been featured on Fox 4’s “Morning Blend TV,” Maine Public and in Venice magazine, Asian-Trend magazine, World Journal New York, and Gulfshore Life magazine. Season highlights include recitals at Swan City Piano Festival and the prestigious Cosmos Club in Washington D.C., as well as concert tours in Hungary and Canada.
The program concludes with Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 3 in A minor, Opus 56. Some of Mendelssohn’s most brilliant musical inspirations came from his travels. While on holiday in Scotland, he was particularly moved by the picturesque, evocative ruins of Holyrood Chapel in Edinburgh, the inspiration for his Third Symphony — also known as the “Scottish” or “Scotch” Symphony.
Recently named Broward Center for the Performing Arts’ first Partner in the Arts for its affiliated $30 million renovated venue, The Parker, South Florida Symphony Orchestra’s 2021-22 season runs through April 28, 2022.
Tickets for Masterworks IV: Mozart, Mendelssohn & Rossini start at $15. Tickets are on sale, now at southfloridasymphony.org/masterworksiv. Additional health and safety concert attendance protocols can be found on the site. Student tickets and group rates are also available by calling (954) 522-8445 or emailing info@southfloridasymphony.org.
About South Florida Symphony Orchestra (SFSO)
Founded in 1997 in Key West by Music Director Maestra Sebrina María Alfonso, the now Wilton Manors-based South Florida Symphony Orchestra (SFSO) is dedicated to providing enriching cultural music experiences to residents and visitors in Monroe, Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. Guided by the belief that music is pivotal to thriving communities, SFSO brings vibrancy and engagement with the arts via innovative programming and transformative educational initiatives. A pioneer in its commitment to symphonic music for underserved communities, its Symphony in the Schools program has touched the lives of more than 85,000 students since its inception in 1997. SFSO was recently named the first Partner in the Arts for The Parker by the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and has been recognized by the Broward County Cultural Division as a “Major Cultural Institution,” one of only a handful of organizations to be so honored. For a performance schedule and season tickets, visit southfloridasymphony.org, call (954) 522-8445 or email info@southfloridasymphony.org.
