The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra kicks of 2014 with concerts this weekend at Robinson Center Music Hall.  Bohemian Rhapsody celebrating the works of Brahams and Dvorak, will take place at 8pm this evening and 3pm tomorrow afternoon.  The musicians will be led by ASO music director Philip Mann.

Many refer to Dvorak as the greatest Bohemian composer, and he headlines our festive occasion with a selection of his most entertaining and enchanting works. His Slavonic Dances showcase a wonderful juxtaposition of propulsive dance rhythms and sweeping lyricism. The result is a volatile concoction of explosive energy and affecting emotion.

Dvorak’s Scherzo Capriccioso adds another rousing and stylish work known to increase the heart-rate for musician and listener alike.

Pianist sensation and Brahms champion Norman Krieger makes his ASO return following his triumphant Brahms Concerto No. 1, with the exquisite 2nd. A towering and daunting work in the virtuosic demands it places on the pianist, it is beloved by audiences for is beauty, amiable disposition, and charming effervescence.

Fans of romantic symphonic or pianistic works won’t want to miss this perfect combination, and one of Brahms’ greatest works.

A native of Los Angeles, Norman Krieger is one of the most acclaimed pianists of his generation, highly regarded as an artist of depth, sensitivity and virtuosic flair.

Norman Krieger regularly appears with the major orchestras of North America, among them the New York, Los Angeles, Buffalo, Dayton and Hamilton Philharmonics, the Minnesota Orchestra, the Boston Pops Orchestra and the Baltimore, California, Chicago, Cincinnati, Florida, Hartford, Honolulu, Kansas City, Milwaukee, National, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Pittsburgh, Richmond, Saint Louis, San Antonio, San Diego and Syracuse Symphony Orchestras.