Jean-Yves Thibaudet plays Saint-Saëns's Piano Concerto No. 5

Jean-Yves Thibaudet, who combines "an often wild virtuosity with an almost relaxed grace" (Chicago Sun-Times), performs Saint-Saëns "Egyptian" Piano Concerto, its nickname owing to its exotic display of melodies and harmonies. The influences on Roussel’s first ballet were not just the spiders of the title but insects of all types—the result yielding "the magical elegance of Ravel and the sultriness of Debussy." (Arkivmusic.com). These works are joined by Stravinsky’s dramatic Firebird Suite, an evergreen that yields unparalleled thrills!

Inside Music, an informative talk free to ticketholders, begins one hour prior to concerts.

Conductor/Performers:

Stéphane Denève
conductor

Jean-Yves Thibaudet
piano

San Francisco Symphony

Program:

Roussel
Spider’s Feast

Saint-Saëns
Piano Concerto No. 5

Stravinsky
The Firebird Suite