Vista Philharmonic Orchestra featuring pianist John Novacek

“Novacek earned the lengthy standing ovation that rewarded his performance — he had grappled with a worthy opponent and proved himself its master. He had entered fully into Brahms’s experience of life itself and acted as a lens for its expression.”  — The Republican (Springfield, MA)

BACH-STOKOWSKI – Passacaglia and Fugue in C Minor
RAVEL – Rapsodie espagnole
BRAHMS – Piano Concerto No. 2

Tonight’s concert features three captivating masterworks that Maestro Bruce Hangen has enjoyed listening to and conducting for many years. He says: “Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 2 is my all time favorite piano concerto! His music is both classical and romantic — it sits between periods, so there’s a lot to dig into.” Versatile, internationally-known, and Grammy-nominated pianist John Novacek is our soloist. “Ravel is all about senses of color, which I love as a conductor. He really knew how to orchestrate, and his beloved Rhapsodie espagnole features combinations of instruments you don’t find elsewhere. He creates an evanescence of atmosphere.” The concert opens with one of Bach’s “greatest hits,” a work that truly reveals the composer’s genius.