Concert Details
The Forum Auditorium – 500 Walnut St, Harrisburg, PA 17120
January 9, 2027, 7:30 p.m.
January 10, 2027, 3:00 p.m.
- Hector Berlioz, Rob Roy Overture
- Jennifer Higdon, Cello Concerto
- Julian Schwarz, cello
- Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky Symphony #5
Julian Schwarz Makes His HSO Debut
Praised for his “depth of feeling…silky legato…and glowing interpretations,” cellist Julian Schwarz marks his first performance with HSO with a new concerto written for him by Pulitzer Prize winner Jennifer Higdon. The program opens with Hector Berlioz’s jaunty Rob Roy overture and concludes with Peter Tchaikovsky’s dramatic and fateful fifth symphony.
Performer Highlights
Julian Schwarz
Julian Schwarz is an American cellist known for his powerful tone, technical command, and wide-ranging color at the instrument. After making his concerto debut at age 11 with the Seattle Symphony, he has built an active career as a soloist, chamber musician, teacher, and advocate for contemporary American music.
- Awarded first prize at the inaugural Schoenfeld International String Competition in Hong Kong, followed by concerto and recital appearances with orchestras across the United States and abroad.
- Performs extensively in recital with pianist Marika Bournaki; the duo won first prize at the Boulder International Chamber Music Competition’s The Art of Duo.
- Committed to new American repertoire, including the 2026 world premiere of Jennifer Higdon’s first cello concerto, written for him and presented with a consortium of orchestras.
- Serves as Associate Professor of Cello and String Area Coordinator at Shenandoah Conservatory, with additional teaching work at NYU Steinhardt, Eastern Music Festival, and the Josef Gingold Festival.
This concert is presented by Capital Blue Cross, with additional sponsorship support from PNC