Masterworks Series

Brahms’ Third

April 10-12, 2026

Belding Theater at The Bushnell
Friday & Saturday at 8 PM
Sunday at 3 PM

Program

Berlioz, King Lear

Assad, FLOW, Concerto for Piano

Brahms, Symphony No. 3

Brahms, Hungarian Dances No. 5

Featuring

Carolyn Kuan, conductor

Clarice Assad, piano

About

This dynamic program, featuring works by Berlioz, Brahms, and Clarice Assad, blends intensity and expression. Berlioz’s King Lear Overture makes its HSO debut, capturing the play’s power struggles with dramatic orchestration. Assad takes the stage as soloist in her own FLOW, Concerto for Piano, offering a unique composer-performer perspective.

Brahms’ Symphony No. 3 follows, a masterpiece of lyrical depth and compact intensity. To ensure a rousing conclusion, the concert flows directly into Brahms’ Hungarian Dance No. 5, adding a lively, rhythmic finale.

From Berlioz’s bold drama to Assad’s innovative energy and Brahms’ sweeping melodies, Brahms’ Third delivers a compelling and vibrant musical experience.

Concert Sponsor:

A powerful communicator renowned for her musical scope and versatility, Brazilian-American Clarice Assad is a significant artistic voice in the classical, world music, pop, and jazz genres and is acclaimed for her evocative colors, rich textures, and diverse stylistic range. A prolific Grammy Award–nominated composer with more than 70 works to her credit, she has been commissioned by internationally renowned organizations, festivals, and artists and is published in France (Editions Lemoine), Germany (Trekel), Brazil (Criadores do Brasil), and the U.S. (Virtual Artists Collective Publishing). An in-demand performer, she is a celebrated pianist and inventive vocalist who inspires and encourages audiences’ imaginations to break free of often self-imposed constraints. Assad has released seven solo albums and appeared on or had her works performed on another 34. Her music is represented on Cedille Records, SONY Masterworks, Nonesuch, Adventure Music, Edge, Telarc, NSS Music, GHA, and CHANDOS. Her innovative, accessible, and award-winning VOXploration series on music education, creation, songwriting, and improvisation has been presented throughout the world. Sought-after by artists and organizations worldwide, the multi-talented musician continues to attract new audiences both onstage and off.

Learn more: https://clariceassad.com/

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Attend the FREE pre-concert talk with Maestro Kuan or special guest one hour before the concert!

Bring your smartphone to access our digital Playbill- don’t forget to silence it!

Grab a drink or bite from one of our convenient bar/café locations, and feel free to bring to your seat.

Applaud when you like what you hear – don’t worry about the “right” time!

Wear what you want – be comfortable.

Share This Event, Choose Your Platform!