Portland Chamber Orchestra: Best Buddies Detail

BEST BUDDIES

Saturday, January 28, 2006 at 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, January 29, 2006 at 3:00 p.m.

Czech Suite op.39 in D minor
Dvorak

Piano Concerto op.54 in A minor
Schumann
Benjamin Kim, piano

Serenade no.1 op.11
Brahms

Our January 28 & 29 "Best Buddies" program features music by three composers of the Romantic era, Dvorak, Schumann and Brahms, who enjoyed one another's company and compositions. The fabric of their lives was woven with the thread of musical greatness and colored by friendship and mutual respect. The exquisite and challenging Schumann piano concerto will be played by one of Portland's favorite young pianists, Benjamin Kim.

What are Best Buddies in the world of music?

When Robert Schumann was 43, he met the young 20 year old Johannes Brahms, and upon hearing his compositions, declared him the successor to Beethoven. When Schumann died three years later, Brahms maintained a life-long friendship of support for Schumann's wife Clara.

When Brahms turned 42, he met the 34 year old Czech composer Antonin Dvorak, and became his avid supporter, even proof reading his compositions for publication. Their friendship blossomed for more than 20 years until Brahms' death.

Brahms was mentored by Schumann, and in turn mentored Dvorak. As "Best Buddies", each supported and guided the next generation of composers to help them realize their potential. We can all use a Best Buddy!