RSO will showcase guest artists, special instruments
The Reading Symphony Orchestra welcomes legendary violinist Pinchas Zukerman and acclaimed cellist Amanda Forsyth to the Santander Performing Arts Center on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. for a concert that is part of Violins of Hope Reading, a joint venture with the Jewish Federation of Reading/Berks.
The mission of Violins of Hope is to promote unity and understanding in communities by utilizing instruments rescued from the Holocaust. RSO Executive Director David Gross said the concert will feature RSO musicians performing on the Violins of Hope instruments.
“This concert is guaranteed to be the perfect combination of incredible artistry, compelling stories and a powerful musical message of unity,” Gross said.
The evening’s program begins with reverence, as cellist Forsyth performs Bruch’s Kol Nidrei and Zukerman takes the stage for Bruch’s Violin Concerto No 1. The RSO concludes this concert with Mahler’s monumental Symphony No. 1, the Titan.
“Being entrusted with bringing the storied and historic instruments of the Violins of Hope back to life through live music is an experience and responsibility for us all to cherish,” RSO Music Director Andrew Constantine said. “To be able to do it in partnership with two of the greatest advocates for Violins of Hope adds an extra degree of excitement for us all on stage. Having worked previously with both cellist Amanda Forsyth and the legendary violinist Pinchas Zukerman I know how special it is also for them to be able to share this powerful and meaningful moment.”
Some precautionary measures will be in effect, with the RSO requiring masks to be worn at all times during the concert. For tickets and more information, visit readingsymphony.org.