Page 18 - February_2016_Life_In_Naples_Magazine

I Vienna ConnectionPHOTOCREDIT(S):TERRYLINKE
n what might be the biggest cultural event in Southwest Florida history,
the venerated Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra will make its Florida
debut at Artis—Naples on March 1-2 as part of a three-year residency

program. The residency will consist of six performances, two in 2016, 2017

and 2018, as well as community partnerships and educational initiatives led by

members of the orchestra.

“Sharing the impeccable musicianship of this celebrated ensemble with our

community is one of the greatest partnerships we’ve established for Artis—

Naples,” said Kathleen van Bergen, CEO and President. “It’s a rare and exciting

opportunity to present an orchestra steeped in European tradition and history.

This residency will have a lasting impact on our community and reinforce our city

as a cultural destination. Hosting an orchestra of such great stature and reputation

exemplifies the artistic excellence for which Artis—Naples has become known.”

The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, led by Valery Gergiev, will launch its

residency next month with two concerts. On March 1, the orchestra will perform

Richard Wagner’s Overture to The Flying Dutchman, Debussy’s evocative La mer

and Ravel’s adaptation of Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition. The second

evening features selections from Wagner’s Parsifal paired with Tchaikovsky’s

Manfred, a unique programmatic symphony composed between his fourth and

fifth symphonies.

“It will be our great pleasure to come to Naples, sharing our music, reaching

18 Life in Naples | February 2016