As the mid-semester drone sets in and midterms rapidly approach, like the weather everything seems monotonous and dull. Fortunately, there is an out-of-the-ordinary weekend activity that does not involve Ninth Street or a dorm room. The Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra is playing Saturday night in Page Auditorium with pianist Yundi Li, winner of the 2000 Chopin Competition. This is not just another musical performance with just another pianist, both are quite extraordinary.
Li, who is younger than most Duke students, can certainly inspire. Not only did Li win the Chopin Competition, but at just 18 years old, was also the youngest winner ever of this award. Li can certainly be donned a prodigy because at such a young age he has accomplished more than most of us will accomplish in a lifetime.
The orchestra itself is also held in high esteem as one of finest ensembles in Europe and has been in existence for over a century. Over the years, the orchestra has performed with some of the world's most renowned soloists, composers and conductors such as Igor Stravinsky and Nigel Kennedy, among many others. World War II interrupted the Philharmonic's activities as it suffered the tragic loss of over half its members, as well as its concert hall. But shortly after the war came to an end, the Warsaw Philharmonic regained its momentum and soared to artistic excellence.
An orchestra rich in history and a young genius at the piano will perform Saturday night in what could be an unforgettable acoustic experience.
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