Eckart Preu, Conductor
Silver-Garburg, Piano Duo
Roger Wilkie, Concertmaster, Violin I
Beethoven & Beyond
Nov 01, 2025 7:30 PM
| Houtaf Khoury | The Journey |
| Martinů | Concerto for Two Pianos |
| Beethoven | Symphony No. 6 in F major, Op. 68, “Pastorale” |
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We open this program with a piece by a Lebanese composer, Houtaf Khoury. He studied in Tripoli, Lebanon, and in Kiev, Ukraine. He has composed five symphonies, several concertos for various instruments, as well as chamber and solo music. What you are about to hear is a touching, beautiful, rich, and honest work called The Journey. It is scored for solo violin and strings. It is a magical work that will feature our concertmaster, Roger Wilkie, on solo violin.
Concerto for Two Pianos displays the genius of Bohuslav Martinů in this vibrant and rhythmically dynamic work that he composed in 1943 during his time in the United States. Often compared to Prokofiev and Bartók for his innovative incorporation of Czech folk elements into his music, his music from this period reflects a combination of his European roots and his exposure to American musical life. The Concerto for Two Pianos is particularly known for its energy and rhythmic complexity, typical of Martinů’s neoclassical style.
Our final work of the evening is Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6, his Pastorale Symphony. In contrast to the dramatic and intense Symphony No. 5, which was written around the same time, this symphony is infused with a sense of peace and tranquility: Beethoven loved nature. He often took long walks in the countryside to think, be alone, and find peace. This symphony vividly depicts rural landscapes, shepherds, and the serenity of the countryside. Beethoven gave titles to each movement. For instance, the first movement is called Awakening of Cheerful Feelings Upon Arrival in the Countryside. Then we have the scene By the Brook, Merry Gathering of Country Folk, the famous Thunderstorm, and finally, the Shepherd’s Song. Beethoven masterfully invents themes that evoke the sounds of nature. You can hear bird calls in the woodwinds, the rustling of leaves, the gentle flow of a brook in the strings, and then the thunderstorm, where the entire orchestra is going crazy.
This symphony represents a search for solace in nature. Composed during a time of personal and political turmoil, it reveals a deeply intimate and personal side of Beethoven, as we accompany him on his journey through the countryside.
Audiences will enjoy the Classical Series fun and elegant evening surrounded by the Terrace Theater’s dazzling fountains and fire pits, prelude ensemble in the lobby, 6:30 PM Pre-Concert Talk to gain greater knowledge regarding the evening programming, and the ability to “Sip & Enjoy” in the concert hall. Doors open at 6PM.
Eckart Preu, Conductor
Eckart Preu (Eck-art Proy) began his tenure as Music Director of Long Beach Symphony in 2017. Critics, the orchestra, and audiences alike have celebrated his ability to combine well-loved masterworks with rare or newer works in programs offering dimension, sophistication, and spirit. Preu also currently serves as …
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Silver-Garburg, Piano Duo
In the great and often underappreciated art of piano duo playing, Sivan Silver and her partner Gil Garburg are setting a new standard: acclaimed by audiences and critics alike, the duo has been invited time and time again by top orchestras, festivals, and concert organizers. …
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Roger Wilkie, Concertmaster, Violin I
A Southern California native, violinist Roger Wilkie has been the beloved concertmaster of the Long Beach Symphony for more than 30 years. He has appeared as soloist throughout his career with the Symphony, performing the concertos of Brahms, Mendelssohn, Bruch, Prokofiev, Tchaikovsky, and more recently …
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