Stutzmann Conducts Tchaikovsky's Fifth

Conductor Nathalie Stutzmann brings her charisma to the podium this weekend, conducting Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 5 and Verdi's Overture to his opera La forza del destino.

Tchaikovsky's Fifth Symphony was written over a beautiful summer at the composer's home outside Moscow. While he struggled to get the piece off the ground — he said he thought he might be written out — it's clear he found his muse in a very big way. He delivered a symphony that continues to delight audiences around the world.

Referred to as "Brooklyn's post-millennial Mozart" (Time Out), New York-based composer Missy Mazzoli originally composed her Dark with Excessive Bright for the double bass. "While loosely based in Baroque idioms," said the composer, "this piece slips between string techniques from several centuries, all while twisting a pattern of repeated chords beyond recognition." Soloist Peter Herresthal — an award-winning violinist — has commissioned a version for violin, which makes its U.S. premiere this weekend.

The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra will be implementing a mandatory vaccine policy for audiences. Beginning September 1, 2021, proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to performance, as well as matching photo ID, will be required upon arrival at Atlanta Symphony Hall. More details are available on our Health & Safety page.