The Eugene Symphony takes the stage with concertos by Brahms and Bartók — and three ways to watch them

By Randi Bjornstad

Here’s what’s happening at the Eugene Symphony, which will regale its audience two brilliant concertos during its formal appearance on Thursday, Nov. 18:

First on the program is Johannes Brahms’s epic and inspiring Piano Concerto No. 1, played by virtuoso Joyce Yang, “whose last Eugene performance electrified the audience in September 2017,” the program announcement says. “Next is Bela Bartók’s warm, witty, and altogether wonderful Concerto for Orchestra, which challenges every musician on stage to reach for the heights.”

Guest pianist Joyce Yang plays Brahms and Bartók with the Eugene Symphony.

The performance is the pièce de résistance, of course, but those who arrive early — at 6:30 p.m. — will be able to listen to maestro Francesco Lecce-Chong talk about the whys and wherefores of the program, to maximize understanding and enjoyment by the audience. That Guild Concert Preview will be in the Silva Concert Hall, so those who come early can have their concert tickets scanned to enter the hall and sit in the same seats as they will for the concert.

There’s also a virtual program magazine available in lieu — or in addition — to the print version. The QR code on the admission ticket can be used to call up the virtual version.

For those who can’t make the “official” concert on Nov. 18, there’s another way to enjoy the program, and that’s to attend the symphony’s dress rehearsal at 7:30 p.m. the evening before, on Nov. 17. It’s a great way to see how conductor, orchestra, and soloist interact as they prepare for the formal appearance. Orchestra members will be in casual dress.

Those who cannot attend in person — or people who want to hear it twice — also have the possibility of watching and hearing the concert online. The performance will be recorded and available for one week starting at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 2, at a “Pay What You Can” cost, starting at $20.

Eugene Symphony Brahms and Bartók

When: Dress rehearsal performance at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021; formal symphony performance at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021

Where: Silva Concert Hall, Hult Center for the Performing Arts, One Eugene Center (7th and Willamette streets), Eugene

Tickets: $25-62, $10 for students and youths; available at the Hult Center box office, 541-682-5000, or online at eugenesymphony.org or hultcenter.org. Tickets for the virtual option can be purchased by clicking HERE. 

Covid details: Proof of vaccination or proof of a negative COVID test, taken within 48 hours of the event, will be required to enter the Hult Center. Masks are required within the building. Please be prepared to show your photo I.D. and proof of vaccination or negative COVID test upon arrival. Tickets to the dress rehearsal are available only in multiples of two with a total of 250 available in order to maintain social distancing. Groups who need four seats should call 541-682-5000 to make arrangements.