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The Program
Jessica Meyer - Turbulent Flames (WWS Co-commission)
Johann Sebastian Bach - Concerto in D minor, BWV 1052, for accordion
Lili Boulanger - D’un matin de printemps
Igor Stravinsky - Petrushka (1947)
Concert Snapshots
Jessica Meyer describes Turbulent Flames as “a groovy, fiery blast,” written to burn through whatever needs releasing.
The original solo instrument for Bach's Concerto in D minor isn't known for sure. It’s been played on violin, piano, organ, and harpsichord—this time, it’s the accordion’s turn.
Lili Boulanger wrote D’un Matin de printemps months before her death at age 24. Though she was seriously ill at the time, the music is full of life.
Stravinsky first imagined Petrushka in a dream. Bored with another project, he wrote a wild piece for piano and orchestra that became the story of a puppet who comes to life and stirs up musical mayhem.
Want to learn more? Click the button below to explore articles about the composers and the pieces, and read the program notes.
Explore the Music
Wine Sponsor
Before the concert and during intermission:
Wine is available from our wine sponsor.
Sweet treats and non-alcoholic drinks are also available.
All proceeds support the Walla Walla Symphony.
About the Guest Artists
HANZHI WANG, ACCORDION
Acclaimed for her “staggering virtuosity,” Hanzhi Wang is the only accordionist to ever join the roster of Young Concert Artists in its 63-year history. Known for her captivating stage presence and performances that display both passion and finesse, Hanzhi is an ambassador for her instrument.
Hanzhi’s groundbreaking achievements include being named Musical America’s “New Artist of the Month,” becoming the first solo accordionist featured on New York's WQXR’s Young Artists Showcase and releasing the Naxos label’s first-ever solo accordion CD, On the Path to H.C. Andersen, which was nominated for the prestigious Danish Radio P2 Prize in 2019.
As the First Prize Winner of the 2017 YCA Susan Wadsworth International Auditions, Hanzhi made her New York debut at Carnegie Hall’s Zankel Hall and her Washington, D.C. debut at The Kennedy Center, opening the 40th Anniversary Young Concert Artists Series, co-presented by Washington Performing Arts.
Hanzhi won First Prize in the 40th Castelfidardo International Accordion Competition in Italy and continues to inspire the next generation of accordionists through lectures, performances, and masterclasses at prestigious institutions worldwide. Composers such as Martin Lohse, James Black, and Sophia Gubaidulina have written and dedicated works to her.
Recent performances include recitals at UC Santa Barbara’s Lively Arts, Stanford Live, Bravo! Vail, and the Krannert Center. As a chamber musician, she has performed at Tanglewood, and with YCA alum Steven Banks at The Morgan Library & Museum, and in the 23-24 season toured with mandolinist Avi Avital, including a performance presented by the New York Philharmonic. Hanzhi has also appeared as a soloist with the Oregon Music Festival Orchestra, Reno Chamber Orchestra, Erie Philharmonic, Victoria Symphony, and Hawaii Symphony.
Upcoming highlights include performances at Caramoor, Arizona Friends of Chamber Music, and a performance with the Berkeley Symphony. Hanzhi will also premiere a new accordion concerto by Nina Shekhar with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and a new work by Katherine Balch at London’s Wigmore Hall.
Hanzhi earned her bachelor’s degree at the China Central Conservatory of Music and completed her master’s degree and Soloist Diploma at the Royal Danish Academy of Music.
hanzhiwangaccordion.com
Program Notes
JESSICA MEYER
Born 1974
Turbulent Flames (2024)
Last WWS Performance: First performance at tonight’s concert
Approximate length: 7 minutes
JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH
Born March 31, 1685, in Eisenach, Germany
Died July 28, 1750, in Leipzig, Germany
Concerto in D minor, BWV 1052
Last WWS Performance: March 23, 2021
Approximate length: 23 minutes
IGOR STRAVINSKY
Born June 17, 1882, in Oranienbaum (now Lomonosov), Russia
Died April 6, 1971, in New York, New York
Petrushka (1947)
Last WWS Performance: First performance at tonight’s concert
Approximate length: 34 minutes