Eugene Symphony’s Francesco Lecce-Chong invited to conduct the San Francisco Symphony
Posted on May 30, 2019
EUGENE, OR (May 29, 2019) — Eugene Symphony Music Director & Conductor Francesco Lecce-Chong makes his San Francisco Symphony conducting debut on June 6-8th at Davies Symphony Hall. The program includes symphonic and operatic treasures by Mozart, Verdi, and Elgar. Now finishing up his second full season with the Eugene Symphony, Lecce-Chong has garnered acclaim for his dynamic performances, commitment to innovative programming, and profound engagement in community outreach.
In his San Francisco Symphony concerts, Lecce-Chong leads the orchestra in Verdi’s powerful Overture to his opera I vespri siciliani, Elgar’s vivacious In the South (Alassio), and Mozart’s rarely performed Ballet Music from Idomeneo. Also on the program is Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 24 in C minor, featuring distinguished French pianist David Fray.
“I am thrilled to be making my debut with the San Francisco Symphony and David Fray next week at Davies Symphony Hall,” says Lecce-Chong. “It's always particularly special to perform in a place full of close friends and family that brings back so many wonderful memories!”
One of only two concertos that Mozart composed in a minor key, the brooding darkness of the Piano Concerto No. 24 makes it stand out among Mozart’s catalogue of compositions. This concert program replaces the originally announced Grieg’s Piano Concerto, which was to be performed by Nikolai Lugansky.
The San Francisco Symphony, founded in 1911, is widely considered one of the country’s – and indeed the world’s – great orchestras. This prestigious opportunity provides additional acknowledgement of Lecce-Chong’s growing reputation in classical music today.
Program Details
June 6-8, 2019, 8:00PM
San Francisco Symphony
Francesco Lecce-Chong, conductor | David Fray, piano
MOZART Ballet Music from Idomeneo, K.367
MOZART Piano Concerto No. 24 in C minor, K.491
VERDI Overture to I vespri siciliani
ELGAR In the South (Alassio), Opus 50
About Francesco Lecce-Chong
A captivating presence on the podium, American conductor Francesco Lecce-Chong continues to impress while sharing his passion for music with audiences of all ages. As Music Director & Conductor of the Eugene Symphony, Lecce-Chong follows in the path of renowned predecessors including Marin Alsop and Giancarlo Guerrero. Active as a guest conductor, he has appeared with orchestras around the world including the National Symphony Orchestra, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, St. Louis Symphony, and Hong Kong Philharmonic. More at lecce-chong.com.
About Eugene Symphony
Now in its 53rd season, the Eugene Symphony is a nonprofit and 83-member orchestra based in Eugene, Oregon. Led by Music Director & Conductor Francesco Lecce-Chong, Eugene Symphony reaches more than 50,000 adults and children annually with live music performances. Recognized as a cornerstone of the performing arts in Oregon's southern Willamette Valley, Eugene Symphony pursues its mission of enriching lives through the power of music by presenting annual classical and pops concerts, as well as music education and community engagement programs, regularly commissioning and premiering new American works, and disseminating its performances via radio broadcasts and recordings. More at eugenesymphony.org.
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