André Watts / Britt Orchestra

Friday, August 10, 2012 • 8 p.m.

Photo by Steve J. Sherman

Music-making isn't a solo activity even for a soloist. Conductor, orchestra musicians and guest artists all contribute individually to create the performance. As we celebrate Britt's 50th, we pay tribute to the art of collaboration by featuring some of Maestro Bay's favorite collaborators-principal players of the orchestra and guest artist André Watts.

Britt favorite, André Watts burst upon the music world at the age of 16 when Leonard Bernstein chose him to make his debut with the New York Philharmonic in their Young People's Concerts, broadcast nationwide on CBS-TV. Only two weeks later, Bernstein asked him to substitute at the last minute for the ailing Glenn Gould in performances of Liszt's E-flat Concerto with the New York Philharmonic, thus launching his career in storybook fashion. More than 45 years later, André Watts remains one of today's most celebrated and beloved superstars. Watts returns to perform Brahms Piano Concerto No. 2

Tonight's program includes Haydn's Sinfonia concertante, featuring principal players, Joseph Salvalaggio (oboe), Erich Heckscher (bassoon), Ignace Jang (violin) and Naomi Barron (cello).

For more information on the guest artist, visit http://www.cmartists.com/artists/andre-watts.htm.