The Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra and Music Director Maestro Roberto Minczuk proudly present an extraordinary festival celebrating the breathtaking music of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky – music that touches people of all ages with its familiar melodies and full-blooded emotional power.

This two-week journey will feature Tchaikovsky’s “greatest hits,” including the three great final symphonies, his violin and piano concertos, beloved ballet highlights and, of course, the exhilarating1812 Overture.

For more information, please visit the Tchaikovsky Festival page on the CPO website.

Speaking of Tchaikovsky:  The Man and the Music
Tuesday, February 23, 2010 - 7pm
The Plaza Theatre
Katherine Duncan, Host
Roberto Minczuk, Music Director
Mikhail Rudy, Piano
Kenneth DeLong, Music Historian
CPO Musicians

Join us and celebrity guests as we kick off The Tchaikovsky Festival in an evening of film and thought-provoking discussion. Explore Tchaikovsky’s intriguing and tragic life and how he was able to harness his conflicted emotions to create some of the most beautiful music ever written.

Everyone seems to know his music, but not many know the stories behind it. This fascinating evening will reveal all…

Film courtesy of BBC Television Series "The Great Composers" (featuring Kenneth Branagh and Mikhail Rudy)

Tchaikovsky!: Piano Concerto #1 & Symphony #4
Thursday, February 25, 2010 - 8pm
Learn more with Kenneth DeLong - 7:10pm
Jack Singer Concert Hall
Roberto Minczuk, Conductor
Mikhail Rudy, Piano

Experience two unforgettable Tchaikovsky masterpieces! Award-winning Russian pianist Mikhail Rudy performs the boldly expressive Piano Concerto with virtuosic fireworks. The Fourth Symphony speaks with unparalleled force, summoning us, one and all, to a confrontation with destiny.

Swan Lake:  An Evening of Great Ballet Suites
Friday, February 26, 2010 - 8pm
Learn more with Kenneth DeLong - 7:10pm
Jack Singer Concert Hall
Roberto Minczuk, Conductor
Dancers from the School of Alberta Ballet

Tchaikovsky is widely-regarded as one of the greatest composers of ballet music. Here, his formidable skills as a dance composer are showcased with highlights from his four most popular ballet scores. Dancers from the award-winning School of Alberta Ballet join the CPO on stage in this feast for the ears and eyes.

Serenade for Strings & Symphony #5
Saturday, February 27, 2010 - 8pm
Learn more with Kenneth DeLong - 7:10pm
Jack Singer Concert Hall
Roberto Minczuk, Conductor
Calgary Youth Orchestra

Tchaikovsky admired Mozart above all other composers and this shines through in his deeply felt Serenade for Strings. In this brilliant concert, CPO also welcomes the critically acclaimed Calgary Youth Orchestra for a combined performance of Tchaikovsky's powerful and passionate Fifth Symphony.

Tchaikovsky and Friends:  A Russian Chamber Music Celebration
Sunday, February 28, 2010 - 7:30pm
Leacock Theatre, Mount Royal College
Moscow String Quartet

Tchaikovsky's chamber music was as innovative ad emotionally powerful as his orchestral masterpieces. These intimate evenings showcase the world-famous Moscow String Quartet performing the works of Tchaikovsky, his contemporaries and musical heirs.

Tchaikovsky and Friends:  A Russian Chamber Music Celebration
Monday, March 1, 2010 - 7:30pm
Leacock Theatre, Mount Royal College
Moscow String Quartet

Tchaikovsky's chamber music was as innovative ad emotionally powerful as his orchestral masterpieces. These intimate evenings showcase the world-famous Moscow String Quartet performing the works of Tchaikovsky, his contemporaries and musical heirs.

Tchaikovsky!: Violin Concerto & Symphony #6
Thursday, March 4, 2010 - 8pm
Learn more with Kenneth DeLong - 7:10pm
Jack Singer Concert Hall
Roberto Minczuk, Conductor
Mayuko Kamio, Violin

No composer ever opened his heart as eloquently as Tchaikovsky - especially in his final “Pathétique” symphony, a work of devastating emotional honesty. His Violin Concerto set new standards for impassioned virtuosity. Gold medalist of the 2007 International Tchaikovsky Competition, Mayuko Kamio brings this beloved work to life.

1812
Saturday, March 6, 2010 - 8pm
Learn more with Kenneth DeLong - 7:10pm
Jack Singer Concert Hall
Roberto Minczuk, Conductor
Yegor Dyachkov, Cello

The festivities conclude with this star-studded musical line-up of Tchaikovsky hits. All the favourites culminate as the Orchestra shakes the rafters with the thrilling 1812 Overture.