UMD Symphony Orchestra with Zlatomir Fung, cello
About
David Neely, music director; Zlatomir Fung, cello Cellist Zlatomir Fung burst onto the scene as the first American in four decades, and youngest musician ever, to win first prize in the cello division at the International Tchaikovsky Competition. He has since garnered accolades, critical acclaim and standing ovations at performances around the world. Astounding audiences with his technical skill and exquisite sensitivity, the 26-year-old has already proven himself a star among the next generation of world-class musicians. The UMD Symphony Orchestra, in partnership with Clarice Presents, joins forces with this acclaimed young cellist for a performance of Edward Elgar’s Cello Concerto, an emotional and lush work that showcases the full virtuosity of the cello and soloist. This performance will also include Igor Stravinsky’s “Firebird” Suite. Based on Russian folklore, this piece depicts the story of a prince who enlists the help of the titular character to defeat a powerful, ogre-like figure of evil. By blending the compositional stylings taught to him by his mentor, Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, with the fervor of Russian music, Stravinsky composed a captivating piece that not only launched his career, but continues to enamor audiences today. This performance will last approximately 2 hours. Giuseppe Verdi: Overture to La forza del destino; Edward Elgar: Cello Concerto in E Minor, Op. 85; Igor Stravinsky: The Firebird Suite (1919) Through its committed and polished performances under the baton of David Neely, UMSO is dedicated to meaningful orchestral training and the power of musical communication. It explores and presents new works, lesser known masterpieces and well-known staples of the orchestral repertoire.
