A Pair of Fives

Vaughan Williams: Symphony No. 5
Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 5
Antonio Pompa-Baldi, piano
Vaughan Williams' glowing, pastoral, and reassuring Fifth Symphony is one of obvious tribute to the grand English choral tradition with its soaring melodies, grand harmonies, and a healthy dose of English melancholy. Written during the Second World War and originally intended as a tribute to beloved composer Jean Sibelius, Vaughan Williams finds his own distinctive voice in rich symphonic splendor. It is a work that surely brought solace to a war-torn England. Beethoven's fifth and final piano concerto is knick-named the "Emperor," and it is filled with sweeping gestures, brilliant piano virtuosity, and a melodic finale that you simply cannot forget. Van Cliburn competition-medalist Antonio Pompa-Baldi reunites with Daniel Meyer to bring his unique musicianship to Asheville for this special night of fives.
Thomas Wolfe Auditorium