Feel the love at NWI Symphony Feb. 10 concert
Bob Kostanczuk Post-Tribune correspondent January 18, 2012 2:30PM
Pianist Di Wu will help celebrate love at a Feb. 10 performance by the Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra at the Bethel Church auditorium in Crown Point, Ind. | Photo Provided
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Updated: February 21, 2012 8:15AM
Valentine’s Day is around the corner. Looking for something to do?
The Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra has “A Valentine’s Tradition” set for 7:30 p.m. Feb. 10, featuring pianist Di Wu, who has performed extensively on the international scene.
The Auditorium at Bethel Church, 10202 Broadway, in Crown Point is where you can catch the concert with the love theme.
Scheduling a show with a Valentine’s Day connection is something the Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra has donebefore, and 2012 is no different.
The musical menu with amorous overtones includes Tchaikovsky’s “Symphony No. 4,” which was dedicated to his patroness, whom he “admired from afar,” according to the orchestra’s website.
I kind of had an inkling what a “patroness” was, but the term sounded a little old-fashioned, so I had to look it up.
A patroness is a female protector or benefactor, and can be a wealthy woman who sponsors or supports someone, according to a Webster’s dictionary.
I think I get the drift.
Aside from “Symphony No. 4,” the concert trots out Schumann’s “Piano Concerto,” which reflects the deep love the German composer had for his wife, Clara.
That, again, is according to the orchestra’s promotional material, which brings up an interesting Valentine’s Day gift.
But who, nowadays, writes a piano concerto for his special gal?
A dude who did that would be considered a cultured “Mr. Romance,” and a hero to the female gender.
And I suppose the woman could be the one writing a concerto for her guy.
He could sit down with a beer on Cupid’s date of Feb. 14, and be serenaded by some earnest keyboard work.
Chinese-born Di Wu will put her fingers in gear on the piano at the orchestra’s concert.
The Wall Street Journal called her “a most mature and sensitive pianist.”
Wu was a 2009 prize winner at the 13th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition and a Symphony magazine “emerging artist.”
She began a career as a professional soloist with the Beijing Philharmonic at age 14, and has done plenty of touring in Europe and Asia.
Tickets range from $25 to $65. The student price is $10. Visit www.nisorchestra.org or call 836-0525.
