Pianist Sheng Cai to enchant audiences during an evening of Ravel’s iconic works

The Glacier Symphony Orchestra and award-winning pianist Sheng Cai are preparing for a dramatic evening of piano mastery and orchestral excellence at Ravel’s Bolero and Piano Concertos. 

This energetic, one-night-only performance will take place on Saturday, April 18 at 7:30 p.m. at the Wachholz College Center. Tickets can be purchased at glaciersymphony.org. 

Throughout this captivating night, guests will enjoy Ravel’s virtuosic piano concertos, a fiery work from celebrated composer Polina Nazaykinskaya, and to conclude, Ravel’s iconic piece, “Bolero!” The immersive concert experience will start as soon as guests walk through the door. 

Community dance group Kalispell Tango will be providing pre-show lobby entertainment, offering an ambience in spirit and step with Ravel’s trademark flair. Next, guest artist and friend of the symphony Sheng Cai will open the concert with technical brilliance as he performs Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G Major and Piano Concerto in D Major for the Left Hand.

Following intermission, guest composer Polina Nazyakinskaya’s evocative work ‘Fenix’ will take center stage, drawing the audience into a symphonic journey depicting hope rising from the ashes. 

"Fenix (Spanish for phoenix) is an ancient symbol of renewal that lends a powerful and poetic image to this catharsis: a majestic creature that spreads its wings and soars to new heights," she said. "I hope that my new symphonic poem Fenix will inspire the audience to look inwards and find the renewal in their hearts.” 

Concluding this powerful evening will be Ravel’s most iconic work, Bolero, well-known for its Spanish-influenced melodies and rhythms, lending it prominence in both music history and pop culture. Maestro John Zoltek invites all to experience it live in concert. “There is truly nothing in the repertoire quite like Ravel’s Bolero – not even close," Zoltek said. "This unique and might I say singularly brave work was premiered in Paris as a ballet in 1928 to sensational success and has held a prominent place in the repertoire ever since."