MUSIC TALKS
Rochester Symphony unveiled with Chia-Hsuan Lin
Join Rochester Symphony at Rochester Public Library for a series of presentations that reveal the hidden brilliance behind the masterpieces that will be performed during our concert season. Through recorded music excerpts, stories, and demonstrations by orchestra musicians, Rochester Symphony Music Director, Chia-Hsuan Lin, shares the history and musical elements that create an exciting listening experience – for both newcomers to classical music and lifelong listeners. Musical selections will focus on those included in Rochester Symphony's upcoming concerts for those who want to hear the full versions performed live.
All presentations are free and open to the public.
Thursday, October 2, 2025
2-3PM
TCHAIKOVKY'S VIOLIN CONCERTO
with featured guest: Rui Du, violin
Join Rochester Symphony conductor, Chia-Hsuan Lin together with guest soloist, Rui Du, Chia-Hsuan Lin, as they present insight into Tchaikovsky’s fiery and emotional Violin Concerto. Du, will share demonstrations and excerpts on violin.
Rui Du will perform the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto in full at Rochester Symphony's opening concert of the season, Symphonic Landscapes, on October 4th. Read his bio and the full concert program here:
Thursday, November 6, 2025
2-3PM
ECHOES OF THE EARTH
with Rochester Symphony Concertmaster, Alexandra Bartoi
With the Bohemian dance rhythms of Dvorak’s Czech Suite, the passionate Spanish flair of Sarasate’s Zigeunerweisen (Gypsy Airs), and the vivid musical portrait of the countryside in Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6 (“Pastoral” Symphony), Rochester Symphony conductor, Chia-Husan Lin reveals how music captures the deep connection between nature, culture, and tradition. Rochester Symphony Concertmaster, Alexandra Bartoi, will share excerpts on violin.
Alexandra Bartoi, Rochester Symphony Concertmaster
Bartoi will perform Sarasate's Zigeunerweisen (Gypsy Airs) in full at Rochester Symphony's ECHOES OF THE EARTH concert on November 8th. Read her bio and the full concert program here:
Thursday, February 19, 2026 | 2-3PM
THE PLANETS
Join Rochester Symphony conductor Chia-Hsuan Lin as she highlights one of the most popular classical compositions of all time, Holst's The Planets. Discover how the composer depicts the character of each planet through music, from the warlike thunder of Mars to the ethereal calm of Neptune.
Musical guest to be announced.
Thursday, March 19, 2026 | 2-3PM
HIGHLAND ROMANCE
Discover Mendelssohn's "Scottish" Symphony (Symphony No. 3), inspired by the stories, misty ruins, and natural wild beauty of Scotland. Conductor Chia-Hsuan Lin delves into the musical elements that take the listener on this adventure to the highlands.
Musical guest to be announced.
Thursday, April 16, 2026 | 2-3PM
MOZART & FAURÉ
Discover the meaning behind Fauré's Requiem and the peace it's gentle and luminous melodies bring to the listener. Conductor Chia-Hsuan Lin also explains Mozart's signature wit and sparkle exemplified in the "Haffner" Symphony (Symphony No. 35).
Musical guest to be announced.