Event
Sublime Sibelius
Naples Philharmonic Masterworks
Naples Philharmonic
Kevin John Edusei, conductor
Yamen Saadi, violin
Sibelius — Violin Concerto
Shostakovich — Symphony No. 10
Two of the best works from two composers who found themselves playing outsized roles in world politics take center stage when guest conductor Kevin John Edusei leads the Naples Philharmonic for performances of Jean Sibelius’ Violin Concerto, featuring violinist Yamen Saadi, and Dmitri Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 10.
Born in 1865, Sibelius is credited with giving his native Finland a musical voice in its long struggle for independence — first from Sweden, and later, from Russia. Known as an extremely quirky modernist, a musical visionary and the finest composer to emerge from Finland, Sibelius’ Violin Concerto is archetypal — mysterious, energetic, passionate and fiendishly difficult to play. While the slow first movement feels unsettled, the finale is wild and dance-like, with its beguiling syncopation creating a duel between the violin section and the rest of the orchestra.
Shostakovich’s role in world politics was born more out of circumstance than choice. Much of his work was composed out of fear, but the second half of his Tenth Symphony was different. After achieving early fame in the Soviet Union, the composer’s work was condemned after running afoul of Stalin’s regime, which required artists, writers and scholars to conform to the party line in their creative works. The condemnation effectively banned his work, revoked any family privileges and put his career at risk. Despite these oppressive conditions, where he saw family, friends and associates either killed or sent off to work camps, Shostakovich kept working, with his most serious work remaining hidden from the public. Following the death of Stalin, Shostakovich unveiled his Tenth Symphony. The composition’s second movement paints a musical portrait of Stalin, filled with terror and violence, before building up to a massive climax that symbolizes his country’s triumph over a dehumanizing and murderous regime.
Prelude at 6:30pm
Join the conductor before the performance for an insightful 30-minute prelude discussion about the program.
Music and Museum
All Masterworks tickets include same-day admission to The Baker Museum. Museum hours on day of performance: 10am-7:30pm. In addition, the doors to Hayes Hall will open 90 minutes prior to this performance. Arrive early to enjoy the exhibitions and light fare available at Heidi's Place.
Tickets start at $29.
Naples Philharmonic
Naples Philharmonic
Founded in 1982, the Naples Philharmonic normally performs over 140 orchestral and chamber concerts, as well as opera and ballet, education, community and special event concerts from September through June each year.
Meet the Musicians
Alexander Shelley
Artistic and Music Director Meet Alexander
Jack Everly
Principal Pops Conductor Meet Jack
James Ehnes
Artistic Partner Meet James
Manuel López-Gómez
Associate Conductor Meet Manuel
Alvin Ho
Assistant Conductor Meet Alvin
Kevin John Edusei
Kevin John Edusei
Kevin John Edusei is a highly esteemed German conductor, often praised for the drama and tension he brings to his music-making as well as his attention to detail, sense of architecture and the fluidity, warmth and insight he brings to his performances. He is deeply committed to the creative elements of performance, presenting classical music in new formats, cultivating audiences, introducing music by under-represented composers and conducting an eclectic range of repertoire.
In recent seasons, Edusei has conducted many of the major orchestras across Europe and the United States, including the Munich Philharmonic, London Philharmonic, London Symphony Orchestra, Los Angeles Philharmonic and many others. He also returned to the Fort Worth Symphony, where he holds the position of principal guest conductor, and to the National Symphony Orchestra.
In 2022, Edusei made his Royal Opera House debut conducting La bohème, which was streamed worldwide. He has conducted at the Semperoper Dresden, English National Opera, Volksoper Wien and Komische Oper Berlin. During his time as chief conductor of Bern Opera House, he led many highly acclaimed new productions.
Yamen Saadi
Yamen Saadi
Yamen Saadi has been described as having a “beguiling sound” by Berliner Morgenpost and maintains a busy career as both a soloist and chamber musician. His playing is characterized by serene lyricism, virtuosity and elegance beyond his 25 years of age.
As a soloist, Saadi has performed with many highly respected orchestras such as Staatskapelle Berlin, Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra of Europe and Orquestra de València with conductors including Daniel Barenboim, Lionel Bringuier and Lawrence Foster, among others.
Saadi has also performed in recitals and concertos at various festivals and venues across Europe, Asia and the United States. In January 2022, he released his first recital album, Voices From Paris to critical acclaim.
As a chamber musician, Saadi co-founded the award-winning Chianti Ensemble. The piano quintet tours Europe and was awarded the prestigious Kersjes Prize in 2022.
Born in Nazareth, Saadi began studying the violin at the Barenboim-Said Conservatory. At age 11, he joined the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra and, at age 17, became concertmaster. In 2020, Saadi won first prize at both the Aviv and Paul Ben Haim Competitions.
