NOTICE OF CONDUCTOR CHANGE: GEMMA NEW TO REPLACE ELIM CHAN IN THE SEATTLE SYMPHONY’S MAY 16–18 PERFORMANCES

CONCERT PROGRAM INCLUDES SEATTLE FAVORITE JAMES EHNES PERFORMING BARBER'S VIOLIN CONCERTO

Seattle, WA – World renowned conductor Gemma New will step in to conduct the Seattle Symphony in the Beethoven & Barber program on May 16–18 at Benaroya Hall. The Symphony is delighted for New to return to Benaroya Hall for the second time this season, after her recent success performing with the orchestra in Antarctic Symphony. Regretfully, Elim Chan is unable to conduct due to a family emergency. This change does not affect the scheduled program.

On May 16–18, the Seattle Symphony will perform Beethoven’s First Symphony, an homage to Viennese traditions that also introduced his revolutionary techniques to the classical canon. Next on the program is Barber’s Violin Concerto featuring superstar violinist James Ehnes, following up its first two lyrical, melodic movements with a virtuosic, break-neck speed finale. The program is rounded out by Unsuk Chin's subito con forza, written for Beethoven’s 250th anniversary year and inspired by the late composer’s conversation books.

Ticket Information

For more information on tickets for Beethoven & Barber, please visit seattlesymphony.org or contact the Seattle Symphony Ticket Office. The Seattle Symphony Ticket Office is located in Benaroya Hall, at the corner of Third Avenue and Union Street. The Ticket Office can be reached by phone at 206.215.4747 during the following times: Tuesday–Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

GEMMA NEW | CONDUCTOR

New Zealand-born Gemma New is Artistic Advisor and Principal Conductor of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and Music Director of Canada’s Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra. New is the recipient of the prestigious 2021 Sir Georg Solti Conducting Award.

New previously served as Principal Guest Conductor of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Resident Conductor of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and Associate Conductor of the New Jersey Symphony. A former Dudamel Conducting Fellow with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Conducting Fellow at Tanglewood Music Center, she was awarded Solti Foundation U.S. Career Assistance Awards in 2017, 2019 and 2020, before receiving the Sir Georg Solti Conducting Award in 2021.

JAMES EHNES | VIOLIN

James Ehnes has established himself as one of the most sought-after violinists on the international stage. Gifted with a rare combination of stunning virtuosity, serene lyricism and unfaltering musicality, Ehnes is a favorite guest of many of the world’s most respected conductors. Ehnes’ long list of orchestras includes the Boston, Chicago, London, NHK and Vienna symphony orchestras, the Los Angeles, New York, Munich and Czech philharmonic orchestras, and the Cleveland, Philadelphia, Philharmonia and DSO Berlin orchestras. Following the launch of his online series Recitals from Home in June 2020, Ehnes was described as being "at the absolute forefront of the streaming evolution" (Le Devoir), and his recordings have since been met with great critical acclaim by audiences worldwide.

SEATTLE SYMPHONY

The Seattle Symphony unleashes the power of music, brings people together and lifts the human spirit. Recognized as one of the “most vital American orchestras” (NPR), the Seattle Symphony is internationally acclaimed for its inventive programming, community-minded initiatives and superb recordings on the Seattle Symphony Media label. With a strong commitment to new music and a legacy of over 150 recordings, the orchestra has won five Grammy Awards, 27 Grammy nominations, two Emmy Awards and was named Gramophone’s 2018 Orchestra of the Year. The Symphony performs in Benaroya Hall in the heart of downtown Seattle from September through July, reaching over 750,000 people annually through live performances and radio broadcasts, and through the Seattle Symphony+ streaming service, the orchestra’s concerts reach audiences at home and around the world.

BENAROYA HALL

Benaroya Hall, the home of the Seattle Symphony, is located in downtown Seattle and surrounded by numerous restaurants, retail stores and parking facilities. Opened in 1998, Benaroya Hall is the most-visited performing arts venue in Seattle. It has received numerous awards, including a 2001 American Institute of Architects (AIA) National Honor Award for outstanding architecture. Benaroya Hall has three versatile performance venues, the S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium, the Illsley Ball Nordstrom Recital Hall and Octave 9: Raisbeck Music Center, all renowned for their pristine acoustics, luxurious design and prime location. For additional information, including rental information, event listings and public tour schedules, please visit benaroyahall.org.

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BEETHOVEN & BARBER

MASTERWORKS SERIES

Thursday, May 16, at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, May 17, at 12 p.m.
Saturday, May 18, at 8 p.m.

Gemma New conductor
James Ehnes violin
Seattle Symphony

Unsuk Chin subito con forza for orchestra
Barber Violin Concerto, Op. 14
Beethoven Symphony No. 1

Gemma New’s performances are generously sponsored by Marco Argenti and Dorothy Li.
James Ehnes’ performances are generously sponsored by Dana and Ned Laird.