Two Violins

Two Brothers play Violin Classics; plus the World Premiere of Robert Rival’s 2nd Symphony

Friday, February 22 at 7:30pm & Saturday, February 23 at 8:00pm

Special nights of music are in store for all on this weekend as the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra (ESO) performs the world premiere of a new Symphony and are joined by two brothers, young rising stars, on pieces for violin and orchestra.

Robert Rival has been the Composer in Residence for the ESO since 2011. His compositions have been played in various ESO series over the last two years. Two Violins will feature the world premier of his newest and most ambitious work yet for the ESO, entitled Symphony No. 2 “Water”. 

"After several grueling months during which I've been at it almost seven days a week, it was hugely satisfying to receive the box of parts and scores from the printer. I eagerly await the first rehearsal when William Eddins and the musicians take over and bring the piece to life on stage. And through them the audience will experience it. Only then will this imagined thing take on a real form.”

Rival was inspired by visits to the Pacific Rim National Park near Tofino, Vancouver Island and Wells Gray Provincial Part in the BC interior to write a work about the serenity of the rainforest, the raw force of the ocean and thundering water falls.  

Timothy and Nikki Chooi, two brothers from Victoria, BC, join the ESO as special guests playing Bach’s Concerto for Two Violins in D minor. Timothy will also feature on Saint-Saëns’ Spanish-influenced Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso in A minor while Nikki will play Pablo de Sarasate’s Roma inspired Zigeunerweisen.

Tickets for Two Violins range from $20 - $79. To purchase tickets or more information, call the Winspear Centre Box Office at (780) 428-1414, toll-free 1-800-563-5081 or visit EdmontonSymphony.com.