Orchestra 2001

Fri., Feb. 23, 8 p.m., $20-$30, Lang Concert Hall, Swarthmore College; Sun., Feb. 25, 3 p.m., $20-$30, Annenberg Center, 3680 Walnut St.

by Peter Burwasser

classical

(CLICK IMAGE FOR LARGER VERSION)

One of the most remarkable features of composer György Ligeti's career, which is being celebrated all this season by Orchestra 2001, is his mastery of a huge range of styles. He began his career, mid-20th century, as something of a traditionalist. In practice, he had no other choice, since this was the only way of making music the Hungarian communist regime would allow. When he escaped through the iron curtain in 1956, he immediately became a wild experimentalist, with a brash and inspiring imagination that challenged his veteran colleagues, including Stockhausen and Boulez. Later still, by the late 1960s, he executed what he called a 180-degree turn; that is, he returned to tonality and formality, but on his own terms, and in a manner that still honored the exciting spirit of the avant-garde. A wonderful example of this late-in-life amalgamative process is his stunning Violin Concerto. One of our fine young, fearless fiddlers, Jennifer Koh (pictured), will be on hand to bring this charming, if prickly, bear of a piece of music to life.

The concert will also include a clutch of works for soprano, with Jody Karin Applebaum as soloist. There will be one world premiere, from the highly promising Curtis-trained composer Luis Prado. A local premiere from Earl Kim, and a presentation of the Nocturne from the very recently deceased Gian-Carlo Menotti (another Curtis alum), round out the program.

Fri., Feb. 23, 8 p.m., $20-$30, Lang Concert Hall, Swarthmore College; Sun., Feb. 25, 3 p.m., $20-$30, Annenberg Center, 3680 Walnut St., 215-922-2190, www.orchestra2001.org.