Waco Symphony Orchestra concert: Extraordinary Feats, January 18, 2024
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JANUARY 18 // 2024

Extraordinary Feats

PIANIST ANNA GENIUSHENE TAKES ON THE 30,000-NOTE “RACH 3”

This performance has already taken place.

Epic works by Rachmaninov, Beethoven, and a new genre-defying piece by Ben Johansen combine to create an evening full of extraordinary feats by composers and musicians alike.

Extraordinary Feats

Thursday, January 18, 2024
7:30 p.m. / Waco Hall

Sergei Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No. 3

Ben Johansen Still, World Premiere

Ludwig van Beethoven Symphony No. 7

Miguel Harth-Bedoya Conductor

Anna Geniushene Piano

Visit Spotify for a preview of this concert.

Repertoire

Program Notes

With a jaw-dropping 30,000 notes, Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 3 pushes the soloist’s stamina and skill. Re-igniting a long-standing tradition of the Waco Symphony Orchestra presenting Van Cliburn International Piano Competition winners, 2022 Silver Medalist Anna Geniushene brings her “powerhouse sound, forceful musical personality, and sheer virtuosity” (Musical America) to the stage. The WSO’s interim artistic advisor Miguel Harth-Bedoya will conduct this performance. An Emmy award-winning conductor, Harth-Bedoya is the Mary Franks Thompson Director of Orchestral Studies at Baylor University, Music Director Laureate of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, and conducts orchestras around the world.

I couldn’t help but equate Anna Geniushene’s seasoned pianism to Cliburn at his best.

Gramophone

Hailed by Richard Wagner as “the apotheosis of dance,” Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 is full of iconic melodies and rhythms from around the world. Together with a world premiere by Ben Johansen, this concert will transport the audience on a musical and emotional journey.

Season Sponsor

TFNB Your Bank for Life

Maestro’s Circle Sponsors

The Honorable and Mrs. Lyndon Olson, Jr.

Concertmaster Sponsor

Anonymous—in honor of Coach and Mrs. Grant Teaff

Sonata Sponsors

Bill Dube

Sue Getterman

Nancy and William McGovern

Ruth and Bill Pitts

Come As You Are!

We encourage our patrons to be comfortable. At the concerts, you will see everything from formal wear to blue jeans. Generally, our audience prefers business or business casual attire.

Health and Safety

Learn more about Waco Hall and the WSO’s Health and Safety guidelines, including the clear bag policy and masking protocols.

Familes with Students New!

Ideal for families with children and teens. If you’re purchasing season tickets and want to add one or more student season ticket(s), you can buy them at a 30% discount in any section. Share the joy of classical music with students in your family, foster their love of music, and experience the WSO together.

Opening Notes Pre-concert Talks

6:40 p.m.–7:10 p.m. Before each classical Season Concert, learn about the lives of the composers and explore their music at Opening Notes, a free pre-concert talk. These can be enlightening and provide insightful information to enhance your concert experience. January 18 pre-concert talk will be located in Recital Hall II inside Waco Hall complex.

Sponsor: Virginia DuPuy

Venue

This concert will be held at Waco Hall on the Baylor University campus.
Seating Chart

Directions and Parking
Construction on I-35 has rerouted traffic through Waco and may cause delays. Please allow yourself extra time to get to Waco Hall.

Hop on the Bus

Before each season concert and the Saturday evening performance of Nutcracker, buses will depart from the Gold’s Gym parking lot on Waco Drive next to El Conquistador Restaurant. Order bus passes early for your preferred departure time! One bus will arrive early in time for you to attend our Opening Notes pre-concert talks. The other departs at 7 pm. Space is limited. Season ticket holders have priority access to bus seats during the renewal period. Bus tickets are available online and are ticketed through Baylor this year, so you can add tickets to your order in one easy transaction. Individual tickets are $12 or $50 for a bus season pass (excludes Nutcracker). For questions, call (254) 754-0851.

Bus partnership provided by Waco Transit System. Waco Tansit System.

Dinner Before Concerts

Treat yourself to a quick but delicious dinner prior to each Symphony concert. Each participating restaurant will offer either Prix Fixe menu, small plates, or priority services if you make your reservations and state that you will be attending the Symphony. Arrival at the restaurant between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. should have you leaving the restaurant by 7:00 p.m.

See list of participating restaurants.