The enchanted forest world of The Cunning Little Vixen opera springs to life through Janáček’s playful music, richly inspired by the folk melodies and dances of his native Moravia. This same warm Slavic spirit infuses Dvořák’s beloved Violin Concerto, also steeped in the colors and rhythms of Czech folk music. It is performed by Valeriy Sokolov, winner of the prestigious George Enescu International Competition and one of today’s most prominent violinists.

Brahms’s Op. 25 began life as a string quartet, only to be later transformed into a sonata for two pianos. It wasn’t until Brahms combined these ideas — adding piano to a string trio — that he arrived at this chamber music masterpiece. More than half a century later, Arnold Schoenberg reimagined the work once again, crafting a bold and brilliant orchestration for a full symphony orchestra.

The passionate Rondo alla zingarese, the ultimate movement that closes this symphonic rollercoaster, delivers the grand final crescendo of this concert season.