~Concert Program~
Bruch and Weber
The Lawrenceville Symphony Orchestra invites you to an evening of passion, drama, and extraordinary artistry in this captivating program featuring Carl Maria von Weber and Max Bruch.
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The concert opens with Weber’s overture to Der Freischütz, a cornerstone of early German Romanticism. Dark, mysterious, and heroic, this dramatic piece paints a vivid musical picture of the supernatural and the folkloric, setting the stage with tension and triumph. Its sweeping melodies and vivid orchestration make it a thrilling start to the evening.
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The program continues with Bruch’s Double Concerto for Violin, Viola, and Orchestra in E minor, Op. 88—a lush and expressive dialogue between two solo voices. This deeply emotional and rarely performed work blends Romantic lyricism with rich harmonic color. Taking center stage are violinist Levon Ambartsumian and violist Shakhida Azimkhodjaeva, whose dynamic partnership and virtuosic command bring Bruch’s intricate writing to vibrant life.
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This powerful program offers a unique blend of drama and intimacy, orchestral color and solo brilliance—an evening sure to leave a lasting impression.
Shakhida Azimkhodjaeva
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Viola
Levon
Ambartsumian
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Violin
Shakhida Azimkhodjaeva
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Born in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Shakhida Azimkhodjaeva began violin studies at age 11 and made her debut with the Uzbekistan Symphony Orchestra after winning the National Violin Competition.
She earned her degree from the prestigious Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory, performing under conductors like Zubin Mehta, Pierre Boulez, and Valery Gergiev.
A founding member of the Moscow Chamber Orchestra ARCO, Shakhida has performed extensively as soloist and concertmaster across Europe, Asia, North America, and Brazil.
She’s recorded works spanning Vivaldi to Shostakovich and frequently appears at Weill Recital Hall (Carnegie Hall) and Moscow Conservatory events.
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Since 1995, Shakhida has served on the violin faculty at the University of Georgia’s Hugh Hodgson School of Music, continuing her artistic and educational legacy through performance, recordings, and mentorship.
Levon
Ambartsumian
Violinist Levon Ambartsumian is an internationally acclaimed performer, conductor, and educator. A graduate of the Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory, he studied under legendary teachers such as Yury Yankelevich and Leonid Kogan. He has been a prizewinner at the Zagreb, Montreal, and All-Union Violin Competitions, and was honored as a People’s Artist of Armenia and Honored Artist of Russia.
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Ambartsumian has performed throughout Europe, Asia, and the Americas, collaborating with renowned conductors and composers including Valery Gergiev, Maxim Shostakovich, and Aram Khachaturian. In 1989, he founded the Moscow Chamber Orchestra ARCO, now based in Athens, Georgia, where he serves as Franklin Professor of Violin at the University of Georgia’s Hugh Hodgson School of Music.
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As a passionate advocate for contemporary music, Ambartsumian has premiered numerous works and released recordings featuring composers from Shostakovich to Schnittke. His students have gone on to win major international competitions and hold positions in top orchestras worldwide.
Jared Cooper,
Cello
Jared Cooper, cellist, began his musical studies at the age of six on piano and began studying cello at age
eleven. At the age of fifteen, he began studying with Phil Ince of the Tulsa Symphony. As an orchestral
musician, he has held positions with orchestras such as the Palm Beach Symphony and the Florida Grand
Opera, to name a few. As a chamber musician, he is highly sought after for chamber recitals. Mr. Cooper
has served on faculty for the Porterville Strings Program, and other summer programs such as the Nat
King Cole Summer Strings Program and the Philadelphia International Music Festival. Mr. Cooper
received his bachelor of music degree at Texas Tech University under the tutelage of Jeffrey Lastrapes
and received his master of music degree at Lynn University studying with David Cole. He currently
freelances in the Atlanta Metro area. When Jared isn’t making music he educates families about the
intricate details of retirement planning.
