March 4-6, 2022
Helzberg Hall | Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts

Michael Francis, guest conductor
Martina Filjak, piano

Henry Purcell / arr. Benjamin Britten  Chacony in G Minor
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart  Piano Concerto No. 24
Edward Elgar  Symphony No. 1

Michael Francis is the guest conductor of this celebration of (mostly) English music. In the 17th century, Henry Purcell was a star of English Baroque music. Three centuries later, his imaginative Chacony in G minor inspired another major British composer, Benjamin Britten, to arrange it for string orchestra in a simple and touching setting.

Pianist Martina Filjak has received international attention for her memorable performances with leading orchestras worldwide. In her KC Symphony debut, she plays Mozart’s brooding and profound
c minor concerto, with a slow movement that is a miraculous example of stillness in motion.

But then back to England. Elgar’s Symphony No. 1 charts many moods, but it never loses the simple nobility and sincerity of the opening. With a touching sentimentality and intimacy, especially in the heartfelt slow movement, this is music that touches your soul.