New York, NY (Top40 Charts / Giovanni Allevi) The world premiere of the latest composition by Italian conductor and pianist
Giovanni Allevi happens this Saturday, August 26, in Bowling Green, KY. His Concerto for Piano and Orchestra, No. 1 will be performed by Orchestra Kentucky, conducted by musical director Jeffrey Reed and featuring pianist Jeffrey Biegel, at the Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center.
In November, Maestro Reed and pianist Biegel will also preside over the European premiere of Allevi's new work with Orchestra Sinfonica Italiana at the famed Teatro dal Verme in Milan, Italy.
"Giovanni Allevi has created an exciting new work for piano and orchestra, instantly pulling the listener into its lush sound world, juxtaposing tender, lyrical melodies, and passages of pulsating rhythmic vitality and brilliant piano writing to show off the range of the instrument," says Biegel, who was lauded by classical music ambassador Leonard Bernstein even prior to the pianist's debut recital.
"I wanted my Piano Concerto to chase an infinite melody, full of thrills, unfettered joy and adventure," says Allevi. "I dedicate this Concerto to pianist Jeffrey Biegel, who possesses a transcendental technique and a great heart. For that reason, and in recognition of the range of his skills, I didn't want this composition to be confined by any limits or conventional expectations."
The Concerto is the latest work by the flamboyant Allevi, who energizes audiences with a dramatic performance style and a wardrobe that favors jeans and t-shirts over tuxedos. Among his numerous symphonic and solo piano works: Concerto in F Minor for Violin and Orchestra, orchestral suite
Angelo Ribelle (Rebel Angel), Toccata, Canzone and Fugue in D major for Pipe Organ and O Generosa!, a madrigal for choir and orchestra, which has become the Anthem of the Italian football league Serie A.
The U.S.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) named an asteroid for Allevi (giovanniallevi111561), who is a Knight in the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic and an Ambassador for worldwide charity Save The Children.
The premiere of Allevi's Concerto for Piano and Orchestra, No. 1 helps launch the 2017-2018 season for Orchestra Kentucky'. Themed Roman Holiday, the night also features Berlioz's Roman Carnival Overture, Respighi's Pines of Rome and scores from the films "Ben Hur," "Spartacus" and "The Godfather."
