April 6 2025 Concert - Scottsdale Philharmonic

April 6th, 2025 Concert

The Great Scheherazade

"A Vibrance Extraordinaire"

The Great Scheherazade | Concert Summary

Welcome to the Scottsdale Philharmonic’s SOLD-OUT performance of
🎶 The Great Scheherazade – “A Vibrance Extraordinaire” 🎻
Performed live on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at 4:00 PM at La Casa de Cristo Lutheran Church in Scottsdale, Arizona.

This electrifying concert showcased stunning symphonic works from Rimsky-Korsakov, Bizet, Puccini, and Glière—offering an unforgettable experience for both in-person and online audiences.

🎼 PROGRAM NOTES

Scheherazade, Op. 35 – Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov (1844–1908)
Inspired by the tales of One Thousand and One Nights, Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade is a lush, exotic symphonic suite blending storytelling with vivid orchestration. Premiered in 1888, it unfolds in four movements that evoke suspense, adventure, and romance from legendary Middle Eastern folklore. The recurring solo violin theme represents Scheherazade herself—crafting enchanting stories to delay her fate, night after night.

Carmen Suite No. 1 – Georges Bizet (1838–1875)
This spirited suite is drawn from Bizet’s iconic opera Carmen. Each movement bursts with Spanish flair and passionate melodies, from the famous Toreador Song to the haunting Intermezzo. Its rhythmic vitality and rich orchestration have made it a perennial concert favorite.

Un Bel Dì (from Madama Butterfly) – Giacomo Puccini (1858–1924)
A timeless aria sung by Cio-Cio-San, Un Bel Dì Vedremo (“One Fine Day We’ll See”) captures the poignant hope and longing of a woman awaiting her beloved’s return. With its lyrical beauty and emotional power, this piece remains one of Puccini’s most beloved vocal works.

Russian Sailors Dance (from The Red Poppy) – Reinhold Glière (1875–1956)
Full of exuberance and folk-inspired energy, this fast-paced orchestral dance from Glière’s ballet The Red Poppy pays tribute to the strength and spirit of Russian sailors. Its accelerating tempo and vibrant character make it an exciting concert closer.

🎤 Featured Performer: Melissa Solomon, Soprano

Melissa Solomon, praised by Opera Canada as “delightful” and “vivacious,” has been captivating Arizona audiences with her rare and dynamic presence for over a decade. A regular performer with the Scottsdale Philharmonic since 2018, she is also a longtime member of the Arizona Opera Chorus. Melissa’s recent highlights include originating the role of Agatha in the premiere of Frankenstein and performances with companies across North America. She lives in Gilbert, Arizona with her husband and two sons.

🎼 Conductor: Vanja Gjumar Nikolovski

Maestro Vanja Gjumar Nikolovski, a Macedonian-born conductor and composer, studied orchestral conducting at the prestigious Rimsky-Korsakov Conservatory in St. Petersburg and holds a Doctor of Arts from Arizona State University. He has conducted extensively across Europe and North America and currently serves as music director of the Chandler Symphony Orchestra. His award-winning compositions and international performances have earned him a reputation for both brilliance and depth.

💥 JOIN US FOR FUTURE PERFORMANCES

Explore our upcoming concerts and enjoy live symphonic music throughout the Valley!
🎟️ View the schedule and purchase tickets:
👉 https://scottsdalephilharmonic.com/nextperformances/