The Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra proudly announces the “Hello Cello!” World Premiere event, a hallmark concert of our 45th season celebrating excellence in classical music through a commissioned cello concerto, a gifted female composer and the iconic Dvorak Symphony #8. The much-anticipated world premiere of Daniel Perttu’s Concerto for Cello and Orchestra, performed by the eminent cellist Mark Kosower is based on Dvorak’s unrequited love and aptly titled, “The Guises of Love.”

• Louise Farrenc – Overture No. 3, op. 24, Eb major
• Daniel Perttu – Newly Commissioned Concerto for Cello and Orchestra
• Antonin Dvorak – Symphony No. 8, op. 88, G major

This concert not only celebrates our orchestra’s 45th anniversary but also marks a milestone with the world premiere of Daniel Perttu’s Concerto for Cello and Orchestra, a significant addition to the cello repertoire.

In our second piece, the synergy between composer Daniel Perttu and cellist Mark Kosower offers an extraordinary collaborative performance, promising to be a highlight of our bold 45th season.

“The Guises of Love,” composed by Daniel Perttu, is inspired by a conversation with cellist Mark Kosower, sharing a mutual admiration for Dvořák’s Cello Concerto. Both of them count Dvořák’s Cello Concerto as a favorite piece. Dvořák wrote the cello concerto in part as an elegy after the death of his sister-in-law, with whom he had been infatuated. She did not return his affection and he married her sister instead. The work considers love in its myriad forms, including infatuation, romance, and the love of one’s children. The second movement largely deals with grief, when love no longer has an outlet.

Mark Kosower, principal cellist of the Cleveland Orchestra, is celebrated worldwide for his compelling performances. His musical journey, initiated under his father’s mentorship and refined at Indiana University and Juilliard, has led him to stages globally as both a soloist and concerto performer. Kosower’s collaboration in the “Hello Cello!” concert showcases his remarkable talent and passion for the cello’s diverse repertoire.

Visit Mark Kosower’s website here: https://colbertartists.com/artists/mark-kosower/

Louise Farrenc (1804–1875) was a pioneering French composer and pianist, renowned for her chamber music and symphonies. Farrenc’s Overture No. 3 stands as a testament to her skill and creativity, combining classical form with romantic expression. A professor at the Paris Conservatoire for over thirty years, she fought for and achieved equal pay with her male counterparts, a rare accomplishment in the 19th century. Her music, rich in melody and structural clarity, has gained rightful recognition in recent years for its contribution to the classical repertoire.

Daniel Perttu is a contemporary composer whose works have found audiences across four continents and in over 40 U.S. states. Currently serving as the Chair of the School of Music at Westminster College, Perttu’s compositions are known for their lush orchestrations and evocative melodies, drawing from both folk and classical traditions. His newly commissioned Cello Concerto for the “Hello Cello!” concert reflects his deep understanding of the orchestral landscape and showcases his talent for crafting intricate, narrative-driven music.

Visit Daniel’s website here: https://www.danielperttu.com/biography

Antonin Dvorak (1841–1904), a towering figure of the Romantic era, hailed from Bohemia (now the Czech Republic). His Symphony No. 8 is celebrated for its lyricism, complexity, and the infusion of Bohemian folk music, illustrating Dvorak’s profound connection to his homeland’s culture. A master of melody and orchestral color, Dvorak’s compositions, including operas, chamber music, and symphonies, have cemented his legacy as one of the most versatile and universally beloved composers in classical music.

This concert is sponsored by the long time friend of the symphony, Nancy Hill who has quietly and behind the scenes supported the symphony for many years. A better friend of the arts can not be found in Grand Junction.

The cello concerto is generously sponsored by Michael Gormly in honor of his late wife, Patricia Johns who rarely missed a concert. As a nonprofit arts organization, we rely on underwriting and grants to bring this cultural lifeline to our community. Thank you!