Shadows & Light: Barber & Brahms

Featuring Earl Lee, conductor Robert Uchida, violin On the program Matthew-John Knights: Aperture Widening* Samuel Barber: Violin Concerto Johannes Brahms: Symphony No. 1 A glorious affirmation of the human spirit. Discover the resilient brilliance of three composers who transform darkness into radiant, enduring beauty, each in their own unique way: from Brahms’ triumphant breakthrough First Symphony to the glowing lyricism and fireworks of Barber’s Violin Concerto (featuring our former Concertmaster Robert Uchida), and a specially-commissioned world premiere by Canadian composer Matthew-John Knights. *Maria Anna Mozart Award winner & world premiere About the Artists: Earl Lee, conductor Winner of the 2022 Sir Georg Solti Conducting Award, Korean-Canadian conductor Earl Lee has emerged as one of the most compelling and versatile artists of his generation. He has led many of North America’s foremost orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, Boston Symphony Orchestra, San Francisco Symphony, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. As Music Director of the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra, Lee has revitalized the ensemble’s artistic vision with programming that bridges tradition and innovation. His leadership blends a deep respect for the symphonic canon with a curiosity for new and diverse forms of expression, bringing a fresh sense of energy and purpose to the orchestra’s seasons. Under his direction, the Ann Arbor Symphony has presented bold repertoire alongside genre-crossing collaborations with artists such as Jacob Collier and Chris Thile, broadening the ensemble’s reach and musical scope. Beyond Ann Arbor, Lee has worked closely with composers Unsuk Chin, Tod Machover, Donghoon Shin, Katherine Balch, and Carlos Simon, leading numerous world premieres and championing works that expand the expressive possibilities of today’s orchestra.