Cho-Liang Lin and Andre-Michel Schub this week at SBCO

Two great guest artists join the Santa Barbara Chamber Orchestra this week to perform Mozart’s Piano Concerto in A Major, K. 488, Elgar’s Serenade for Strings in E Minor, Opus 20, and Schubert’s Symphony No. 6 in C Major, D. 589. According to Andre-Michel Schub, the guest soloist, “One of the most remarkable things about K. 488 is the complete and total change of character from the second to the third movement. The second movement, which is so poignant and tender, gives way to a third movement that is the epitome of joy, energy, and virtuosity.” Schub-who has performed with the Boston Symphony, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Cleveland Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic, among many others-is sure to bring fierce intensity to this magnificent work.

Likewise, guest conductor Cho-Liang Lin has a deep affection for Elgar’s Serenade for Strings. “The Elgar Serenade is indeed a remarkable and beautiful work,” he said. “I chose this work because I love it. It has heart and soul and a touch of autumnal nostalgia and wistfulness. It was Elgar’s first work to achieve fame, and it remained the composer’s favorite work. We tend to associate Elgar with grand works, but we should note that many of the most exquisite moments in [his] music are tender and sweet. The Serenade is a perfect example, particularly the second movement, which is as beautiful as any work can be. When played well, it can bring on so many emotions. It should be musical bliss.”

Lin knows what he’s talking about-he is both a conductor and an internationally renowned violinist. Don’t miss the Schubert, either. It’s called the “Little C Major” because Schubert wrote another, longer, and more romantic symphony (C Major, No. 9), but this one shows his brilliant classical-style writing capabilities.

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Lin and Schub will join the Santa Barbara Chamber Orchestra for this very special concert on Tuesday, March 3, at 7:30 p.m. at the Lobero Theatre (33 E. Canon Perdido St.). Call 966-2441 or visit sbco.org for ticket info.