Gala Finale: For Rita

About

The International Cello Festival of Canada culminates in a magnificent evening with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Daniel Raiskin. This spectacular co-production features three world-renowned soloists—Denise Djokic, Bryan Cheng, and Alban Gerhardt—alongside the Festival's Orchestra of Cellists. From Villa-Lobos's passionate Brazilian rhythms to Strauss's epic Don Quixote, experience an unforgettable night of musical storytelling that celebrates both the festival's artistry and honours the legacy of Agassiz President and iconic Winnipeg arts leader, Rita Menzies. This is classical music at its most powerful and moving.

Artists

Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra

Daniel Raiskin, WSO music director & conductor

Denise Djokic, cello

Bryan Cheng, cello

Alban Gerhardt, cello

Program

Villa-Lobos Bachianas Brazilieras no. 1, Preludio 

Festival Orchestra of Cellists  

R. Strauss – Romanze for Cello and Orchestra TrV 118

Denise Djokic cello

E.W. Korngold – Cello Concerto in C, Opus 37

Bryan Cheng cello

Intermission

R. Strauss – Don Quixote for Cello and Orchestra, Opus 35

Variation I: Adventure at the Windmills

Variation II: The victorious struggle against the army of the great emperor Alifanfaron (actually a flock of sheep)

Variation III: Dialogue between Knight and Squire

Variation IV: Unhappy adventure with a procession of pilgrims

Variation V: The knight’s vigil

Variation VI: The Meeting with Dulcinea

Variation VII: The Ride through the Air

Variation VIII: The unhappy voyage in the enchanted boat

Variation IX: Battle with the magicians

Variation X: Duel with the knight of the bright moon

Finale: Coming to his senses again – Death of Don Quixote

Alban Gerhardt cello