Press Release – KODÁLY & RACHMANINOFF

CONTACT: Caleb Bailey                 
860-443-2876, [email protected]

KODÁLY & RACHMANINOFF – Saturday, February 18, 2023, 7:30 pm

Garde Arts Center, 325 State St., New London, CT 06320

The concert opens with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Symphony No. 32, composed in 1779. The symphony begins with repeated strong chords throughout the orchestra, stating a “playful” theme, followed by an opening figure, and concludes the work with a bombastic style. It will be followed by Zoltán Kodály’s Dances of Galánta, an arrangement of a Hungarian folk song written for the 80th anniversary of the Budapest Philharmonic Society.

Afterwards, Gary Sienkiewicz (ECSO principal tuba) will perform the Tuba Concerto by British composer Vaughan Williams, a concerto that is now one of Vaughan Williams’ most popular works, showcasing the more sonic and lyrical qualities of the tuba. Following the intermission perform Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3 will be brought to life by pianist Vyacheslav Gryaznov. The concerto was premiered in New York City on November 28, 1909 and is often cited as one of the most technically challenging piano concertos in the standard classical piano repertoire, displaying a grander, fuller, broader tone and style than its predecessor.

There will be a complimentary post-concert reception sponsored by ECSO Board members Naomi & Ivan Otterness, Tom & Dorrit Castle, and Bob and Mary Reed.

This concert is generously sponsored by Lawrence + Memorial Hospital / Yale New Haven Health.

Covid Policy: 

New concert attendance guidelines have been implemented in order for concertgoers to safely enjoy the new season. While ECSO maintains its commitment to the importance of COVID-19 vaccination and encourages patrons to be up to date with their vaccinations according to their personal health requirements, as of August 11, patrons are no longer required to show proof of vaccination or negative proof of COVID-19 testing at ECSO for events. It is not mandatory to wear a mask while indoors, but you may choose to wear one.

We will continue to review the current situation and any updated guidelines from the CDC and the State of Connecticut to determine what changes may be necessary.

Gary Sienkiewicz bio:

Gary Sienkiewicz, tuba, is a native of Northampton Massachusetts and holds a Master of Music degree from Yale University and a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Massachusetts.  He is principal tubist with the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra, the Hartford Brass Ensemble, the Clarion, and Berkshire Brass as well as the Worcester Brass Consort. In addition to the Eastern Connecticut Symphony, Gary has also played with many orchestras throughout New England including the New Haven Symphony, Hartford and Springfield Symphonies, the Rhode Island Philharmonic, the Vermont and Waterbury Symphonies and the United States Coast Guard Band. He has also recorded three compact discs with the Albany Symphony Orchestra and has shared the stage with such stars as Ray Charles, Dave Brubeck, Doc Severinson, Judy Collins and The Who. His playing is known for its sensitivity and has been described as “Impressive” by the Albany Times Union and “Shining” by the New London Day. Mr. Sienkiewicz has been teaching at the University of Connecticut since 1990 where he plays in the Faculty Brass Quintet and leads the tuba/euphonium ensemble.

In addition to his duties at the University of Connecticut, Mr. Sienkiewicz also teaches at Smith College.  He has taught at the College of Saint Rose as well as Mount Holyoke College, the University of Massachusetts and Deerfield Academy. He also has given many master classes throughout Connecticut and Massachusetts. Gary has had the privilege of studying with some of the world’s great brass musicians including Toby Hanks, Warren Deck, Steve Norrell and Chester Schmitz.

Vyacheslav Gryaznov bio:

Russian concert pianist Vyacheslav Gryaznov, arranger and composer, is the author of more than 40 concert arrangements. He has gained a reputation as one of the most remarkable young arrangers working today. In 2014 Gryaznov signed a publishing contract with Schott Music, the youngest Russian in their history to do so.

His most recent 2021 recording of westerh transcriptions on the Master Performers label is joining his album of Russian Transcriptions on the Steinway & Sons label, released in 2018 as a part of his 1st prize at the New York Concert Artists Worldwide Audition (2016). The new album is available worldwide on all major streaming platforms.

He graduated with honors from the Central Music School of the Moscow State Conservatory where he studied with Professor Manana Kandelaki. He proceeded with undergraduate studies at the Moscow Conservatory (class of Professor Yuri Slesarev), once again completing his degree with honors. He continued at the Moscow Conservatory as a postgraduate student and was on the teaching faculty of the Moscow Conservatory’s Piano Department. In 2018 he completed Yale University’s Artist Diploma program under the Yale School of Music’s Professor Boris Berman. He is an artist of the Moscow Philharmonic and is an Artist-in-Residence with The Drozdoff Society in the United States.

Gryaznov received prizes and scholarships from the foundations of Vladimir Spivakov, Yuri Bashmet, Mstislav Rostropovich (the Neuhaus Grant) and Yamaha Scholarship. He has participated in numerous international festivals, including Dialogue of Cultures in Vilnius, Art Masters in Switzerland, Russian Music in the Baltics in Kaliningrad and Vilnius, Musical Kremlin in Moscow and Bryansk, Festival de Musique de Wissembourg in France, and others.

The first Russian president awarded a prize to Gryaznov, who has won numerous awards in prestigious international competitions in Moscow, Italy, Ukraine, Denmark, Georgia and Japan, including six first and grand prizes. The pianist has performed in the USA, Italy, Denmark, France, the UK, Croatia, Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands, Georgia, Armenia, Poland, the Baltic states, Africa, many cities in Japan, and throughout Russia. His NHK video recordings are shown on Japanese TV on a regular basis. In Russia, the pianist’s recordings are often played on Orpheus radio.

ECSO general copy:

We are thrilled to announce our 22-23 Season’s lineup, curated by Music Director and Conductor Toshiyuki Shimada. This season marks the 13th year under the musical leadership of Music Director and Conductor Toshiyuki Shimada. Visit www.ectsymphony.com for more information and follow us on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube) @ectsymphony. The ECSO offers a range of affordable seating options from $65 to as low as $12 for attendance to one concert. The ECSO will continue to offer those under 40 years of age and active or retired military members $12 tickets in premium sections. ECSO is also active in promoting music education in New London by offering educational programs, watch our website for details.

Founded in 1946 by Norwegian immigrant, Victor Norman, the mission of the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra is to inspire, educate, and connect our communities through live orchestral music.