The Marquette Symphony Orchestra presents "Romantic Masters "on Saturday, March 1st, at 7:30 p.m. at Kaufman Auditorium. The program features two pillars of the Romantic era: Robert Schumann’s "Piano Concerto in A Minor" and Johannes Brahms’ "Symphony No. 2." Joining the MSO for the evening is guest pianist Hyerim Lee, winner of the 2024 MSO Youth Concerto Competition.
To learn more about the program, we spoke with Octavio Más-Arocas, Music Director and Principal Conductor of the MSO.
When asked about the inspiration behind the program, Más-Arocas explained that it developed naturally. “We initially planned to perform the Brahms symphony,” he shared. “But then, after the MSO Youth Concerto Competition, Schumann’s Piano Concerto in A Minor was chosen by the winner, Hyerim Lee. It was a perfect fit.”
Schumann and Brahms were not only composers from the same period but also colleagues and mutual supporters. “Sometimes we aim for variety across different musical eras in a concert,” Más-Arocas said. “But in this case, pairing these two composers allows us to explore different perspectives within the Romantic tradition. Their music is deeply connected, yet their styles are quite distinct.”
The concert’s featured soloist, Hyerim Lee, will take center stage for Schumann’s Piano Concerto in A Minor, a piece known for its lyrical beauty and technical demands. Más-Arocas expressed great enthusiasm about her artistry. “She’s an incredibly talented musician with a deep respect for the music,” he said. “She brings out the essence of Schumann’s writing, playing with both virtuosity and sensitivity. The audience will love her interpretation.”
While the orchestra and conductor had not yet rehearsed with Lee at the time of our conversation, Más-Arocas had already listened to recordings of her playing. “She has a wonderful ability to highlight the soul of the music,” he noted. “Her performance will be something truly special.”
Watch a performance of pianist Yuja Wang perform Schumann's "Piano Concerto in A Minor"
Conducting a program like Romantic Masters presents unique challenges. “This is one of the most demanding programs we’ve done in recent years,” Más-Arocas admitted. “Schumann and Brahms have a way of writing music that appears simple on the page but is incredibly complex when you dig deeper.”
Brahms’ Symphony No. 2, in particular, requires great precision and subtlety. “It’s a piece full of warmth and lyrical beauty, but bringing out all its nuances requires the orchestra to be deeply in sync,” he said. “The string sections, in particular, have technically challenging passages that demand a high level of control.”
Enjoy Brahms' "Symphony No. 2"
Despite the difficulty, Más-Arocas emphasized the joy of bringing these works to life. “This music is breathtakingly beautiful,” he said. “It’s a concert that invites you to immerse yourself in the richness of the Romantic era.”
Listen to Kurt Hauswirth's conversation with Octavio:
With a program that blends the fiery expressiveness of Schumann and the melodic depth of Brahms, Romantic Masters promises to be a memorable evening. “This is a concert for everyone—whether you’re a longtime classical music lover or experiencing it for the first time,” Más-Arocas said. “It’s a chance to be moved by some of the greatest music ever written.”
The Marquette Symphony Orchestra’s "Romantic Masters" concert takes place on Saturday, March 1st, at 7:30 p.m. at Kaufman Auditorium. Tickets are available for purchase online at marquettesymphony.org or in person at the NMU Ticketing Office inside the Superior Dome.
