Mendelssohn & Tchaikovsky
22-year old American pianist Maxim Lando has been lauded by The New York Times for his “brilliance and infectious exuberance.” He joins the PSO for performances of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s rarely-heard Piano Concerto No. 2. Felix Mendelssohn described his fourth symphony, inspired by the sights and sounds of Italy, as a “blue sky in A major.” Gioachino Rossini’s sparkling overture to L’italiana in Algeri marks the composer’s first foray into comic opera.
“He played with impressive delicacy … and there was wild-eyed danger”
– Anthony Tommasini for The New York Times
Program
Gioachino ROSSINI / Overture to L’italiana in Algeri
Felix MENDELSSOHN / Symphony No. 4 in A Major, Op. 90 “Italian”
Pyotr Ilyich TCHAIKOVSKY / Piano Concerto No. 2 in G Major, Op. 44
Key Notes 
- Rossini wrote a total of 39 operas, all before the age of 37.
- Mendelssohn began writing his fourth symphony during his tour of Italy in 1830-31. After its premiere, he continued to revise the work for the remainder of his life.
- The Andante non troppo movement of Tchaikovsky’s second piano concerto features solo violin and cello along with the piano, forming a piano trio.
Performers
Rossen Milanov, conductor
Maxim Lando, piano
Media
Maxim Lando in performance with the Cleveland Orchestra:
