The Illinois Symphony Orchestra announced on Wednesday the final show of the 32nd ISO musical season.
It is set to feature Brian Nabors’ Pulse and the playful energy of Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G, featuring 2022 Van Cliburn Medal Winner Anna Geniushene – plus Dmitri Shostakovich’s passionate Fifth Symphony.
Led by Music Director Taichi Fukumura – a rising Japanese-American conductor acclaimed for his dynamic stage presence and musical finesse – Passion & Pulse will begin at 7:30 PM on Friday, May 2, 2025, at the UIS Performing Arts Center in Springfield, Illinois – or Saturday, May 3, 2025, at the ISU Center for the Performing Arts in Normal, Illinois.
Furthermore, the symphony requested that attendees get to the show one hour prior if possible for the concert for Concert Comments, a special pre-concert discussion with Music Director Taichi Fukumura and pianist Anna Geniushene, that will take the listener inside the music.
As was noted by the ISO:
“Anna Geniushene’s fresh and powerful interpretations defined her participation in the 2022 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition—where she won the silver medal and the adoration of fans around the globe. And the critics couldn’t get enough: “powerhouse sound, forceful musical personality, and sheer virtuosity…had this critic on the edge of his seat” (Musical America); “a performance of rare devotion and insight” (Onstage NTX); “a fresh version…that had this listener hanging on every bar” (La Scena).”
The ISO noted that tickets may be purchased in Springfield through the UIS Ticket Office at (217) 206-6160 or in Bloomington-Normal through the ISU Center for the Performing Arts at (309) 438-2535; they can also be ordered online at ilsymphony.org/passion. Single ticket prices range from $10 for students (Age 24 & under) to $65 for premium seating.
Additional information about the Illinois Symphony Orchestra is available at www.ilsymphony.org.
