Conductor's Note

It is my pleasure to welcome you to this special program: Quintet for Piano & Winds!

Tonight, we step away from the full orchestral scale to explore the “musical dialogue” of chamber music — a genre that offers some of the most personal and emotionally rich experiences in the classical canon. Our journey this evening centers on two extraordinary piano quintets that bridge the Classical and Romantic eras. Mozart’s Piano Quintet in E-flat major is a cornerstone of the genre.  One of the most brilliant chamber works ever composed, this piece is the definition of refined elegance and effortless brilliance.  Written 100 years later but using the same orchestration, Fritz Spindler’s Piano Quintet in F minor is a true “hidden gem” of the German Romantic era. Its lyricism and dramatic flair provide a compelling contrast to Mozart’s classical clarity.

We are thrilled to pair a seminal masterpiece with an under-appreciated Romantic jewel. This program is designed to let you hear the familiar and the unknown side-by-side, right here in our own backyard!

As we look toward our next concert, I want to share an important update. You may have noticed that orchestra programs often include the fine print: “repertoire is subject to change.” While we rarely pivot mid-season, art — like life — occasionally requires a shift in direction.

While we still look forward to bringing you Beethoven’s 9th Symphony in a future season, our April 18th concert will now feature another giant of the classical canon: Franz Schubert’s iconic Symphony No. 4, the “Tragic.” From its gripping introduction to its triumphant finale, it is a powerhouse of energy that I cannot wait for you to experience. In addition to the RSO, this concert will feature the talented musicians of the Rome Youth Symphony Orchestra and performances by the winners of our RSO Young Artist Competition.

Thank you for being part of our musical community and for supporting the arts in Rome.