Prokofiev - Peter and the Wolf
Natalia Satz was the director of the Moscow’s Children Theatre where, in 1935, Prokofiev and his family went to see one of the productions. Satz was intimidated, but once Prokofiev brought his family back a week later to see another show, she made an effort to meet him. In March of 1936, a collaboration started, and in April 14th - a day before Prokofiev’s 45th birthday - the entire Peter and the Wolf had been orchestrated.

Wieniawski - Polonaise de Concert in D major, Op. 4
with Felix Wang, solo violin, winner of the Philharmonic Society of Arlington’s Young Artist Competition, Woods Division

Polish violinist Henryk Wieniawski began his musical life as a child prodigy. Encouraged by his mother, a professional pianist, Wieniawski began violin lessons at the age of five. Often compared to Paganini, Wieniawski was an intensely expressive artist of great individuality. His small number of compositions pointed to his interest in a "national" style of Polish music. The earliest works, emphasizing technical difficulty and virtuoso effects, were composed for his own performances. The Polonaise de Concert in D major, was completed in 1852.  From the rhythmically energetic opening to the graceful melodies, the Polonaise hovers between heroism and melancholy.