Reinventing the Past: Part I
Saturday, September 27, 2008
8pm

Gregory Lee, violin
Jonathan Ruck, cello
Amy Cheng, piano
Joel Levine, conductor

Respighi:  Ancient Airs and Dances: Set I
Dvorak:  Symphonic Variations
Bethoven:  Concerto for Violin, Cello and Piano in C

Each piece in this program looks to an earlier time for inspiration and "re-invents" the past. Beethoven explored the tradition of multiple soloists that was common 100 years earlier; Respighi based his work on Renaissance lute pieces; and Dvorak quotes his own music as he re-writes original vocal music for full orchestra. 

Beethoven wrote only one concerto with multiple soloists and it is rarely played. This presentation features Philharmonic members Gregory Lee, concertmaster, and Jonathan Ruck, principal cellist, along with OCU pianist Amy Cheng.

Gregory Lee, violin, is concertmaster of the OKC Philharmonic and Assistant Professor of Violin at the University of Oklahoma. An outstanding violinist with virtuosic brilliance, Lee made his debut at the age of 13 in his native Australia. He studied with renowned pedagogue, Dorothy DeLay, at the Juilliard School and earned his advanced degrees at the University of Michigan. He has performed with orchestras, chamber ensembles and in recital throughout the U.S. and is in demand for his master classes.

Jonathan Ruck, cello, is principal cellist with the OKC Philharmonic and is a nationally recognized performer and pedagogue. Recently appointed to the faculty of the University of Oklahoma, he is frequently heard in recital, chamber music and orchestral perormances throughout North America. He studied with emminent cellist, Janos Starker at Indiana University where he earned his degrees.

Amy Cheng, piano, is head of the piano program at the Wanda L. Bass School of Music at Oklahoma City University. A concert pianist and avid chamber musician, Cheng has been called "a natural talent" by the New York Times. A graduate of the Curtis Institute, she pursued her advanced degrees at Yale Univeristy and the New England Conservatory.