02/05/2026
OPERATIC RHAPSODIES
Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 8 p.m.
Flato Markham Theatre
171 Town Centre Blvd
Ravel, Rhapsodie espagnole
Debussy, Fantasie for piano and orchestra
R. Strauss, Le Bourgeois gentilhomme
One of Ravel’s earliest orchestral compositions, the Rapsodie espagnole is divided into four movements. The first features a particularly prominent motif comprising pitches F–E–D–C-sharp; the motif is all the more notable in that it returns throughout the three subsequent movements.
Debussy’s Fantaisie pour piano et orchestre holds a special place in his output as his only work for solo instrument and orchestra. Subtle, atmospheric, and richly coloured, it offers a rare glimpse into the emergence of the composer’s unmistakable musical voice.
Richard Strauss’ Le Bourgeois gentilhomme (The Middle-Class Aristocrat) was originally intended to serve as the framing device for his opera Ariadne auf Naxos; when the reception for this structure was mixed, Strauss opted to remove the Bourgeois music and transform it into its own suite.
Kristian Alexander | conductor
Dmitri Levkovich | pianist
Daniel Vnukowski | host (Classical 96.3 FM)
7:10 p.m. Lunar New Year Celebration
7:20 p.m. Pre-concert talk
7:30 p.m. Prélude: pre-concert recital.
Intermission discussion and Q&A with Dmitri Levkovich and Daniel Vnukowski.
Post-concert reception.
Don’t Miss the Pre-Concert Lunar New Year Celebration at 7:10 p.m.
We’re bringing the traditions of the Lunar New Year to the Flato atrium this year. Enjoy a captivating recital of traditional Chinese music, receive a lucky red envelope, and make a wish for the Year of the Horse on our wishing trees. It’s an evening of music and tradition you won’t want to miss.
A Special Lunar New Year Thank You
As part of the celebration, guests attending the February 7 concert will receive an exclusive 18% Lunar New Year discount on tickets to our next performance, Virtuosity and Revolution, taking place on March 21 at the George Weston Recital Hall. The number 18 is considered highly auspicious in Chinese culture, symbolizing a sure path to good fortune—and we’re delighted to share that good fortune with you.
Tickets: KSOrchestra.ca | 905.305.7469
